‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. 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, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens 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 deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government 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.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled 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 stepped down from her elected role.

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

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”