‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting 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 war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety 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.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, 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 program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial 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 major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed 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 forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

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

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother 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 would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”