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

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 battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion 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 is an immense struggle.”

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

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to surface last month following the South African government announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation rippled 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 substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

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

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation 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 must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling 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 separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming 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 filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … 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. What kind of person does that?”