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

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion 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 is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint 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 thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions 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.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”