‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from 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 Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently after the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

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

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality 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 take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”