‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

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 paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent 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 appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit 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 confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting 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 parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”