‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

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 frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. 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 deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to surface last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, 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 the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection 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 bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups 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 being split up. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group seems 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 national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the group included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached 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.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated 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, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear 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 lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”