‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month following the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

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 contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender 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 a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling 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. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

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

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

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

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … 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?”