‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, 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 worry.

“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. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, 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 Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, 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 instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to 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

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing 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 misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother 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?”