‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month after the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show 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 families far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented 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 self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

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

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer 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 started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

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 secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused 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 my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges 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 sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”