‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month after the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

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

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, 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 an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership 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 group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced 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 active in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling 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 another recruiter 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 elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens 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 … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”