‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month after the South African government said it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, 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 not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented 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 political party led by 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 program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

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

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems 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 assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming 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 excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

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

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting 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 outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”