‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man 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 alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month after the South African government said it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma 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 backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges 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 group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms 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 hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

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

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces 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 full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could 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. What kind of person does that?”