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

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” 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 Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

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

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented 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 political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, 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. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears 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 office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered 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. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister 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 misled by another recruiter 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.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”