‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces
One parent has had no contact with 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 the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.
“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”
Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
A Political Bombshell
Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently after the South African government said it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.
This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.
These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.
A Fateful Introduction
The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.
Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.
Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”
A Complex Backdrop
Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.
She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.
Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.
The Journey to War
The men reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.
By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed 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 a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.
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 recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.
A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.
A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.
In response, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived 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 excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.
Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.
Broader Implications
Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls 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 similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”