‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently after the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, 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 shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain trapped 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 through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting 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, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The men 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 began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, 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 seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by 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 adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

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

In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”