‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia
One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear 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 worry.
“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”
Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently following the national authorities announced 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 Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.
The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.
These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.
A Fateful Introduction
The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.
Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.
Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”
Political Connections
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.
She has also publicly expressed 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 accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.
The Journey to War
The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.
By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”
In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement 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 bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.
A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.
A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.
Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.
Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.
A Wider Pattern
Authorities have indicated that hundreds 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 faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.
Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”
