‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month following the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence 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 travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems 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 received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached 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

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”