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

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, 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.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. 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 emerge recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, 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 South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused 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 Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others 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 was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

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 noted that recruiting for 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 three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate 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 elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”