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

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, 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 Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface recently after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves 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 not in work or education.

The men are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel 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 attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma 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. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement 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 beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

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

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals 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 hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”