‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month after the South African government announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message 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 a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative 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

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”