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

One parent has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, 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 is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month following the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives 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 through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

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

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

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

The Journey to War

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

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

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”