‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month following the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, 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 not in work or education.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

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 June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

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

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, 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 Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate 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 elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

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

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