‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

A mother 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 Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, 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 legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations 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.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the group included twenty individuals, 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 lodged by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused submitted a statement asserting 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 parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down 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. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”