‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge last month following the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict 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 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 described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

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

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” 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?”