‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, 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, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge last month following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, 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 severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives 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 via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel 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 obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict 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.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums 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 being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man 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 active in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the group numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”