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

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation 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 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.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge last month after the South African government said it was trying to help citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts 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. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

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 noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

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

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”