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

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

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

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

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

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces 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 charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”