‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread 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 years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “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 sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting 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 outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”