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

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain 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 the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its outset.

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 assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the police report was filed 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 misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals 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 inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Russian forces 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 faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”