‘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 voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, 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 citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to surface recently following the South African government said it was trying to help citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are 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 agree to terms in Russian. An agreement 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.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate 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.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”