‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

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

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, 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 the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, 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 handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached 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 inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”