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

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue 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.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to surface last month following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds 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 facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

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

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted 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 lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived 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 elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”