‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent 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 connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals trapped 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 the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, 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 many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring 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 deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”