‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, 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 seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated 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 explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son 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 active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”