‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge recently following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited 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 not in work or education.

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

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government 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 allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated 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. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

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

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”