‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface last month following the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage 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 families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards 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 study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school 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, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of 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 has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, 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 appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”