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

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, 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 legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently following the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming 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 many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to 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.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge 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. “To think that someone could 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?”