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

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man 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 daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met 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 began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We have been placed 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 a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I 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. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”