‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces
A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.
“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”
Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently following the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.
The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.
The men are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.
A Fateful Introduction
The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.
A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure 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, it is an immediate necessity.’”
Political Connections
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.
The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.
Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.
The Journey to War
The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.
In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the war since its outset.
Official Actions and Family Despair
Recently, the office of the South African president said 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 illegal.
A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.
A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.
Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.
Other individuals were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.
A Wider Pattern
Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations 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 involvement for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”