‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. 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, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 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 ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

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 the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others 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 eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender 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 countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies 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 apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems 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 confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals 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 similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … 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?”