‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims 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, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals 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

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances 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 aligning herself with the leadership 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 denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, 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 young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms 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 war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” 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?”