‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces
One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.
“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”
Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Political Bombshell
Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently after the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.
This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.
These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.
The Initial Contact
The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.
A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.
Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”
A Complex Backdrop
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.
She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.
Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
From Airport to Battlefield
The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.
In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”
Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its outset.
Official Actions and Family Despair
Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.
The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.
A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another family member, 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 submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate 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 political position.
Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.
Broader Implications
Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.
Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”
