‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic 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 part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month following the South African government said it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by an associate 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.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”