‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month after the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, 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 caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared 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 charges of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man 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 specific military unit 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 working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

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

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”