‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety 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 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the South African government announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

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

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is 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?”