‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month after the South African government said it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage 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 relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection 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 lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men 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, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses 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 the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups 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. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

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 such recruitment.

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

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”