‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly 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 Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge recently following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, 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 trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. 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 private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … 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?”