‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

A mother 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 the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 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 former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently following the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to 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 presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show 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. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”