‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation 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, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter 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 attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

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

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate 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.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”