‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

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

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently after the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

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

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying 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 contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled 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 resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations 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.

Meanwhile, the mother 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. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”