🔗 Share this article ‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly 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 ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry. “My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.” The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma. A Startling Allegation Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men. The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying. These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread 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 years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country. A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship. Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’” A Complex Backdrop Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers. She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow. In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges. From Airport to Battlefield The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease. In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.” Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning. Official Actions and Family Despair Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law. The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, 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 deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate 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 could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries. Broader Implications 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. Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia. Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who 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 ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry. “My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.” The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma. A Startling Allegation Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men. The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying. These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread 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 years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country. A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship. Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’” A Complex Backdrop Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers. She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow. In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges. From Airport to Battlefield The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease. In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.” Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning. Official Actions and Family Despair Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law. The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, 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 deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate 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 could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries. Broader Implications 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. Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia. Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”