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

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

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 the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives 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 through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented 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 security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, 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 school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions 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 backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication 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 forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … 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. What kind of person does that?”