‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces
One parent has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.
“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”
The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
A Political Bombshell
Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.
The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.
These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.
The Initial Contact
The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.
Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.
Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”
Political Connections
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.
The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.
Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.
From Airport to Battlefield
The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.
By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”
Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.
Government Response and Ongoing Anguish
Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is against the law.
A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.
A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.
In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate 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.
Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.
Broader Implications
Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.
In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”