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

A mother 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 ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

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

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused 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.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent 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 hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”