‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge recently after the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, 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 young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”