🔗 Share this article ‘Utterly Wicked’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry. “I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.” The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma. A Startling Allegation Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men. The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying. These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives. The Initial Contact The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country. A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality. Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’” Political Connections Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers. She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow. In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges. From Airport to Battlefield The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns. In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.” In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with 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. Official Actions and Family Despair In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law. A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position. The other named recruiters 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. A Wider Pattern Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment. Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia. Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “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 lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”
One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry. “I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.” The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma. A Startling Allegation Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men. The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying. These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives. The Initial Contact The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country. A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality. Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’” Political Connections Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers. She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow. In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges. From Airport to Battlefield The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns. In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.” In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with 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. Official Actions and Family Despair In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law. A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position. The other named recruiters 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. A Wider Pattern Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment. Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia. Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “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 lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”