‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

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

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently following the South African government said it was trying to help nationals 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 misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted 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 family member, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number 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 similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”