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

One parent 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 the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

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

The men are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “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 agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned 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 have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals 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 similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother 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. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”