‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

One parent 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 its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, 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 seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

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

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

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

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is 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?”