‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart 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 citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, 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 certain factions and Russia 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 frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed 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 forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document 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 outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces 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 appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”