‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

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

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”