‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to surface recently after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

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 an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

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 men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems 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 attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

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

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, the accused 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 parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for a statement. 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 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.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting 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. What kind of person does that?”