‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russia
A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern 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 worry.
“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”
Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.
The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.
The men are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home 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 lucrative prospect in Russia.
A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.
Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”
Political Connections
Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.
She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.
Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.
From Airport to Battlefield
The men reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.
By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”
Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.
Official Actions and Family Despair
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 noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.
The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.
A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, 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.
Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.
Other individuals were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.
Broader Implications
Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with 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 faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”