‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

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

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives 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 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 described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent 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 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 been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate 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.

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

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”