‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, 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.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented 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 security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

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

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate 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 stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”