‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Allegedly 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 physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. 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 legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, 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 presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication 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 a language he did not understand. A document 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 outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, 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 no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter 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 political position.

Other individuals 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 have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military 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, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”