‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia
A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.
“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”
The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.
The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.
The men are thought to remain caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.
The Initial Contact
The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.
A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.
Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”
A Complex Backdrop
Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.
She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, 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.
From Airport to Battlefield
The group reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.
By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms 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 war since its beginning.
Government Response and Ongoing Anguish
In early November, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.
A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.
A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.
In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived 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 elected role.
Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.
A Wider Pattern
Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries 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 faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, 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 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?”