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

One parent has not heard from 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 the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to surface last month after the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

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

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man 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 contract 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 confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”