‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“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 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 Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge recently following the South African government said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families 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 through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, 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 school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure 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 aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are 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 pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities 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 attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming 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 claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces 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 faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”