🔗 Share this article ‘Outright Evil’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, 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 physically unwell with worry. “I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.” The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma. A Political Bombshell Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men. The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying. These individuals are thought to remain caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives. The Initial Contact The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country. A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship. Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’” A Complex Backdrop The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers. She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow. Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges. From Airport to Battlefield The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns. By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.” Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears 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 Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law. The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home. A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force. In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position. Other individuals 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 requests for comment. Broader Implications Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities. In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia. Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”
One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, 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 physically unwell with worry. “I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.” The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma. A Political Bombshell Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men. The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying. These individuals are thought to remain caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives. The Initial Contact The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country. A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship. Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’” A Complex Backdrop The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers. She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow. Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges. From Airport to Battlefield The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns. By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.” Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears 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 Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law. The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home. A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force. In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position. Other individuals 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 requests for comment. Broader Implications Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities. In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia. Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”