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

One parent 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 anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month after the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted 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 trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away 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 years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, 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 past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent 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 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 been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” 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 legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”