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

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed 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 agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded 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.

In response, the accused 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 anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

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

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”