‘Utterly Wicked’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern 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.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion 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 is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's role began to surface recently following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection 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 instructed to become bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, 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 online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”