‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year 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 faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, 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 major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family 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 update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes 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?”