‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces
One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.
“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”
The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Political Bombshell
Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently after the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.
The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.
These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.
The Initial Contact
The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.
A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.
Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”
Political Connections
Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.
She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.
Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.
The Journey to War
The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.
By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed 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 sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.
Official Actions and Family Despair
In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.
A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the group numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.
A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.
Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.
Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.
Broader Implications
Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.
In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”