‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill 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 overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, 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 associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother 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 contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”