‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces
A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.
“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”
The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, 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 Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.
The accusation rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.
The men are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.
A Fateful Introduction
Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.
A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.
Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”
A Complex Backdrop
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.
The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.
In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.
The Journey to War
The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums 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 separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, 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 seems 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 office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.
The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.
A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.
Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter 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.
Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.
A Wider Pattern
Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.
In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” 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?”
