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

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded 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 the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter 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 at the forefront 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 facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for 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 case. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. 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 foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number 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 appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”