‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent has had no contact with her son since late 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. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion 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 among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, 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 South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

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

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by another recruiter 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 political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals 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 among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”