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

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic 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.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface recently following the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

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

A Fateful Introduction

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

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

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

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the case. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick 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 weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”