‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on 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 school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed 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 appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. 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.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, 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 worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”