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

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. 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, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface recently following the South African government said it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives 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 years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

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

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated 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. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to 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.

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 against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother 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. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”