‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia
One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.
“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”
Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.
The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.
The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.
A Fateful Introduction
Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection years ago. 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 allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.
Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”
A Complex Backdrop
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.
She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.
Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.
The Journey to War
The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.
In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement associated with 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.
Official Actions and Family Despair
In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.
A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.
A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming 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 filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled 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 stepped down from her political position.
The other named recruiters 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
Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.
Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”