‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety 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 among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month after the South African government said it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, 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 highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

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

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate 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.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”