‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

One parent has not heard from 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. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“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 is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with 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 trained as security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

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

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

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. 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 little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

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

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear 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 would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”