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

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals 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 under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused 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 presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity 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 the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership 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 state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts 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 update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

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 these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”