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

One parent has had no contact with 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 Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“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 just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

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

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, 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 illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. 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, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family 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 update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals 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. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”