‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with 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 South African government said it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, 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 highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, 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 closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to 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.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” 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 proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached 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

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother 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. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”