‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting 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 frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently after the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped 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 sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives 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 through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper 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.

The other named recruiters 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 requests for comment.

Broader Implications

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

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”