‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to surface last month following the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer 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 started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded 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 foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother 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 weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”