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

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia 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, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently after the South African government said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party 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 remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure 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 showing solidarity to 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 traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

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

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “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 political position.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”