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

One parent 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 ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. 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 legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge last month after the South African government said it was trying to help 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 South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, 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 the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, 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,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages 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 being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”