‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Deceived 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 frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill 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. 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 legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, 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 thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts 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 holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts 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 previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met 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 began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

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

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals 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.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick 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 would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”