‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling 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 war between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue 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 part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to surface recently after the national authorities announced it was trying to help 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 deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative 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 reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”