‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son 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 family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to surface last month after the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

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

The men are believed to be caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, 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 described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with nations 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 charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling 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 separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities 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 bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”