‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Battling 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 frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.
“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic 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.”
The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.
The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.
These individuals are thought to remain 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 via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.
A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.
Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”
Political Connections
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.
The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts 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 the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from 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 explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its beginning.
Official Actions and Family Despair
Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.
A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.
A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.
Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter 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. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.
Broader Implications
Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.
Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges 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. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”