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

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. 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, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

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

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. 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

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “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 betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”