‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces
One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.
“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.”
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 serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently after the South African government announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.
This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.
The men are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.
The Initial Contact
The mother, 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 June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.
Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.
Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”
A Complex Backdrop
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. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.
The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.
Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.
From Airport to Battlefield
The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.
By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”
In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document 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 said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.
A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.
A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing 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 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 parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.
Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.
A Wider Pattern
Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.
Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.
Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”