‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped 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 identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront 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.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses 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 early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to 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

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”