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

A mother has had no contact with her son since late 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. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently following the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection 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 instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking 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.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia 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.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

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

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming 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 parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries 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 appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”