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

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

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

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “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 sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting 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 elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens 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, the mother continues to be consumed by fear 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 weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”