‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling 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 Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, 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 legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families 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 the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

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

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved 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 bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been misled 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 resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “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. What kind of person does that?”