‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling 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 frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

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

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

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

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from 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 pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed 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 illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter 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 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 requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is 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?”