‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to surface recently following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused 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 the foreign country.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for 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.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”