‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”