‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly 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 ongoing conflict between Russia and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to surface last month following the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose identity is protected, 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 the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the son contacted his parent 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 service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

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 family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”