‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from 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 ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

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 Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. 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 security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. 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 support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

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

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement 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 office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “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 could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”