‘Outright Evil’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge recently following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused 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 faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper 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. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”