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

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

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

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow 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.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, 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 appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting 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 situation. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” 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. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes 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?”