‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety 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 among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month following the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, 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 dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to 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 Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from 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. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

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

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”