‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface recently following the South African government said it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by 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 introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded 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, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts 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. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

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.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”