‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue 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, as stated in multiple lawsuits, 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 Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, 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 June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man 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 war since its beginning.

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 foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived 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 were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”