‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month after the South African government said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

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

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership 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 men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document 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 outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

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

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”