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

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month after the South African government said it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. 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 rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

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

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity 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. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

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 emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals 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 appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick 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 betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”