‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's role began to surface last month after the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June 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 associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

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

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”