🔗 Share this article ‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russia A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry. “I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.” Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma. A Political Bombshell Claims about the individual's role began to surface recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men. This claim rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education. These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives. A Fateful Introduction 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 June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country. Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship. Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’” A Complex Backdrop Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers. She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow. Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges. From Airport to Battlefield The men reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns. In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.” In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning. Government Response and Ongoing Anguish In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law. The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back. A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position. The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment. Broader Implications Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment. In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia. Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is 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. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry. “I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.” Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma. A Political Bombshell Claims about the individual's role began to surface recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men. This claim rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education. These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives. A Fateful Introduction 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 June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country. Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship. Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’” A Complex Backdrop Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers. She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow. Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges. From Airport to Battlefield The men reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns. In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.” In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning. Government Response and Ongoing Anguish In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law. The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back. A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position. The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment. Broader Implications Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment. In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia. Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is 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?”