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

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently following the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation 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 thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused 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.

Some of the men were reportedly promised 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 self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed 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 accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We are 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 linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, 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 little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” 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 my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear 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 betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”