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

One parent has had no contact with 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 war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, 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 Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year 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. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

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 reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “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 forced to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter 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 resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

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

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”