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

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, 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 described 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 given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”