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

A mother 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 the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. 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 legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Claims about the individual's role began to surface recently following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla 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 anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”