‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting 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 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, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, 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.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing 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 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 parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”