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

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion 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.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised 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 attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

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

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence 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 odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are 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 pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming 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 excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated 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, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”