‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, 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, heart 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 citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently after the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. 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 rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

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

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, 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. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

Separately, 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 major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

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 secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

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

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

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”