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

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge last month following the South African government said it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, 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 Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from 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. One message clearly read: “We have been placed 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 sign a contract 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 war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

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

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with 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 including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”