‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. 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, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

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. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the group 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 no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming 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 stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

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

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”