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

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, 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 the accused through a relative 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 exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group 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 join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing 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.

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

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured 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 war since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

In early November, the national leadership said 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 illegal.

The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military 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 charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary 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 would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”