🔗 Share this article ‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces A mother 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 frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry. “I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. 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 serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma. A Startling Allegation Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men. The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage 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 name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country. Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship. Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’” Political Connections The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, 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 stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers. The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow. In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges. From Airport to Battlefield The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease. In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.” Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset. Government Response and Ongoing Anguish 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 noted that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law. The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role. Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment. Broader Implications Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment. In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia. Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”
A mother 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 frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry. “I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. 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 serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma. A Startling Allegation Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men. The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage 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 name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country. Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship. Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’” Political Connections The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, 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 stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers. The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow. In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges. From Airport to Battlefield The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease. In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.” Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset. Government Response and Ongoing Anguish 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 noted that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law. The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role. Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment. Broader Implications Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment. In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia. Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”