‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill 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 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, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently following the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to 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.

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 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 school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, 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 reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, 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 Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “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.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”