‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling 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 battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, 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 Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in 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 seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”