‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge recently following the South African government announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage 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 dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

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, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway 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 nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, 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 online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, 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 state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer 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 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 luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, 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 full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”