‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia
A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell 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 overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”
Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.
This claim rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.
These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.
A Fateful Introduction
Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused 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 exciting opportunity in Russia.
Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.
Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”
A Complex Backdrop
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.
The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.
Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.
The Journey to War
The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer 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 recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”
Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its outset.
Government Response and Ongoing Anguish
Recently, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls 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 case. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.
A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister 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 asserting she had been misled 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 parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.
The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.
A Wider Pattern
Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.
Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to 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. What kind of person does that?”