‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent 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 its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently after the South African government said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away 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 years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”