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

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

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

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla 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 Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad 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,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

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

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

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

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper 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.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

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

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”