‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month after the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to 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.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, 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 recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the group included 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 no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate 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 elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”