‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently following the South African government said it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults 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 far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements 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, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed 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 associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

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

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … 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?”