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

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“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. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently after the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport 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. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate 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 political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds 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, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”