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

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, 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, 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 Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, 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 lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed 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 accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in 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 seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. An official representative 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

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

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