‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to surface recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla 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 presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised 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 Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing 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 shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone 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 a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

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