‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling 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 sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” 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.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on 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 thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities 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 noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could 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. What kind of person does that?”