‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. 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 legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently after the South African government announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families far from home fear 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 years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. 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 support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I 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 comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

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

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”