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

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” 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.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, 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 a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

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

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals 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 worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”