‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document 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 outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”