‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, 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, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped 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 when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year 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 bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership 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 official permission is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged 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, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived 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 stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. 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

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”