‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, 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 would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”