‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety 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 citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently after the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away 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 contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

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

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts 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 allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

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, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”