‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger 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 expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell 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, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. 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, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently following the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

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

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

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

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”