‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme 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 surface recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

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

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family 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 the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”