‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces
A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.
“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”
The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Political Bombshell
Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.
The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on 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 believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.
The Initial Contact
The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. 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 allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.
Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”
A Complex Backdrop
The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.
She has also publicly expressed 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 serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.
The Journey to War
The group 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 group's concerns.
By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”
In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.
Official Actions and Family Despair
In early November, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.
A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.
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, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.
Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.
Other individuals 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.
Broader Implications
Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.
In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.
Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”