‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

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 ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, 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, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

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 contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, 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.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

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

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter 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 political position.

Other individuals could not be reached 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.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls 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 charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”