‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, 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.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue 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.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled 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 believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters 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 requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes 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?”