‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told 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, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

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

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses 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 travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication 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 agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming 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 submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

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

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”