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

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, 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 just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

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

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. 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. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”