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

One parent 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 Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill 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 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently following the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

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

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, 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 early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning 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 pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

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

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “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.

The other named recruiters were unavailable 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

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes 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?”