‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent 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 ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month after the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families 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 exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain 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,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She 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 accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

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

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

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

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. 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.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes 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?”