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

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's role began to surface last month following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract 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 war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled 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 elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries 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 including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick 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?”