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

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

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

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to surface recently following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

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 June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government 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 allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. 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 sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted 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 complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “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 were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies 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 such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”