‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

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

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped 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 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 under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from 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 are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate 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 stepped down from her elected role.

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

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”