‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, 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, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal 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 thought to remain trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity 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. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission 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 a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

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

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”