‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

A mother has not heard from 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 physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims 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. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, 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.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told 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 recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The group 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 group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest 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 similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … I think that is 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?”