‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge last month following the South African government announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

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

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

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

From Airport to Battlefield

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

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military 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 worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”