‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent 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 frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. 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 Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently following the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion 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 far from home 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 the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

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

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”