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

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge recently following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial 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 major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “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 forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”