‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“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 just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to emerge recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited 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 substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an lucrative prospect 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 given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses 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 the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring 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 another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is sheer wickedness,” 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?”