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

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

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

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused 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 described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, 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 early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized 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 contingent 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 filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I 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 could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”