🔗 Share this article ‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia 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 frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety. “I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion 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.” The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma. A Political Bombshell Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men. The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying. The men are thought to remain caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives. The Initial Contact Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to 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. A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with 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 eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’” Political Connections 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 many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating 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 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 allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns. By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.” Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its outset. Government Response and Ongoing Anguish Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal. The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position. Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment. A Wider Pattern Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities. In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia. Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”
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 frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety. “I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion 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.” The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma. A Political Bombshell Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men. The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying. The men are thought to remain caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives. The Initial Contact Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to 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. A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with 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 eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’” Political Connections 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 many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating 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 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 allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns. By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.” Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its outset. Government Response and Ongoing Anguish Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal. The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position. Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment. A Wider Pattern Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities. In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia. Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”