‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Allegedly 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 dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface recently after the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on 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 believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year 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 political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for 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 serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message 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 associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force 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 emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

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

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

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

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is 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?”