‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

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

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month following the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread 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 years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a political party 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 foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting 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 parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries 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 charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”