‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, 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 physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently following the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled 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 large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, 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 handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not 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 seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership said it had received distress calls 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.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled 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

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”