‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

One parent 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 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 just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to surface last month following the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint 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. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, 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 described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

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 must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

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

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla 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 deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number 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 including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes 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?”