‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia
A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia 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 overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”
The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.
The accusation sent shock waves 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 under-35s are not in work or education.
These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.
The Initial Contact
Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.
A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.
Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”
A Complex Backdrop
The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.
She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.
Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.
From Airport to Battlefield
The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer 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 contacts, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.
Government Response and Ongoing Anguish
In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.
The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed 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 lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.
In response, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.
Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.
A Wider Pattern
Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.
Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.
Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”