‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia
A mother has had no contact with 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 its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.
“My health is truly suffering,” she said, 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.”
The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Political Bombshell
Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently after the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.
This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.
These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.
A Fateful Introduction
Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.
Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.
Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”
A Complex Backdrop
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers.
The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.
In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
The Journey to War
The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.
By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.
Official Actions and Family Despair
Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.
The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.
A mid-November call between the accused 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 luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.
In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.
Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.
A Wider Pattern
Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.
Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”
