‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. 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, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

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

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

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

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son 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 seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

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

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. At first, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I 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 did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

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

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “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 betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”