‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Deceived 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 battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, 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 legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month after the South African government said it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families 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 the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show 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. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war 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.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate 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 stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”