‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic 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 part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently following the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

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

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations 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 odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent 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 police report was filed by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter 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 could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, 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. “For someone to 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?”