‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, 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. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed 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.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting 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.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”