‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

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

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic 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.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to surface recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow 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 frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document 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 outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group included 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. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

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

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”