‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent 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 ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to surface recently following the South African government said it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

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

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations 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 reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “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 a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, 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 excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

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 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, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, 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 bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”