‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, 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 gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge last month after the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

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

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

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

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

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

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show 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.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”