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

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, 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 is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge last month following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, 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 South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to 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 exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation 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.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered 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. Shortly after, 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.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

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 such recruitment.

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

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear 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?”