‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent 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 ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, 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, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's role began to surface recently following the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

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

The Initial Contact

Mary, 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 contact was made in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed 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 family member, accusing her half-sister 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 another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”