‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month after the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, 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 contact was made in the middle of the year 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 faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, 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 major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms 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.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

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, claiming her half-sister 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 deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”