‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August apparently indicate 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.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. 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 war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling 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 asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds 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 among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”