‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces
One parent 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 ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.
“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”
Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
A Political Bombshell
Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month following the national authorities said it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.
The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.
The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, 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 connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.
A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.
Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements 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
The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.
She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.
In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
From Airport to Battlefield
The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.
By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.
Official Actions and Family Despair
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 emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.
A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.
A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.
In response, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.
The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.
Broader Implications
Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.
Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”