‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently following 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 several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

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

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. 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 frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is 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?”