‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen 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 ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to surface last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

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

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with 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 the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by 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 obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

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

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

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. 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. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

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

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”