‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of 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 Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety 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.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. 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 case. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”