‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son 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 connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month after the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year 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 allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with 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.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “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 Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter 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 stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”