‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist 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.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become 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 attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow 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 publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided 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 filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”