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

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“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 overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently after the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation 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 under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

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

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning 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.”

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent 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 involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

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

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, 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 would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”