‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be caught in a conflict 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 through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts 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 father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. 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.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to 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.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

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

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

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

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military 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.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”