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

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, 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 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to surface last month after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity 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. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “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 betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”