‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with 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 Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month after the South African government said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join 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 just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

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 recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” 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 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 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 have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

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

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”