‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety 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 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in 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 Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”