‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

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

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge recently after the South African government said it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she 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 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 advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership 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.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, 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 sign a contract in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”