‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting 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 battle lines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

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

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, 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 contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

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

A Complex Backdrop

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

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. 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 dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing 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 claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries 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 similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could 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. I mean, who does that?”