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

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently following the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. 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 never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, 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 presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, 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 foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother 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 betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”