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

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man 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 Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

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 years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply 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.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”