‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. 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, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. 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 purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

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

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

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

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 need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial 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 group reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from 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. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

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

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 half-sister 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 claiming she had been deceived by an associate 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 resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to 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?”