‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

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

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts 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 fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

In another matter, 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.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub 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. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

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

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality 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 full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”