‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home 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 years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, 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 allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, 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 foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”