‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

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 battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue 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 part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month following the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told 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 remember asking for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”