‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month following the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, 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 wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped 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 identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with 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.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “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 pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement 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 received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

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

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” 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?”