‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill 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 overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to surface recently after the South African government said it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home fear 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 an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “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.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

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, Mary continues to be worried sick 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. I mean, who does that?”