‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

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

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's role began to surface last month after the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others 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 many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party associated with 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.

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

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication 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 allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back 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 alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”