‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge last month following the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, 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 South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

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

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, 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 the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad 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,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

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. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts 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 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 recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information 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 African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”