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

One parent has had no contact with 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 war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill 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. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain caught in a war 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 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 exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told 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 self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

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

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, 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 political position.

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 requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

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

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick 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. What kind of person does that?”