‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves 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 under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men 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 when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, 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 handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. 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 outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded 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, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”