‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to surface last month after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

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

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative 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 security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression 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 program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She 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 charges of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, 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 external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans 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 consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”