‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from 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 war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue 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 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge last month following the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men 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 connected with the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, 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 South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not 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 update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”