‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” 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. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to surface last month following the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group 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, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. 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.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge 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 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. I mean, who does that?”