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

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion 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.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, 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 unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain 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 years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared 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 social media activity during previous riots. 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 flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

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 secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”