‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“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.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

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.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. 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 trained as security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

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 state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable 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.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”