‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

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 war between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge recently after the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds 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 currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer 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 being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, 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 little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could 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. I mean, who does that?”