‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the South African government said it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, 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 June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations 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 in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

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. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent 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 seems to be a contract with a specific military unit 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 confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived 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 excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could 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. What kind of person does that?”