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

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently after the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction 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 obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “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?”