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

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group 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 personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to 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 group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the group numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”