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

A mother has had no contact with 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 Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, 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 seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently following the South African government announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging 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. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives 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 an offer was presented in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We are 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 associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, 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 reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”