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

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently following the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim 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 unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation 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, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. 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 publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling 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 recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in 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 seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”