‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces
One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war 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 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 among a contingent of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Political Bombshell
Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.
The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.
These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict 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 through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.
Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.
Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”
A Complex Backdrop
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. 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 publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.
Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
From Airport to Battlefield
The group 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 group's concerns.
By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”
In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement 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 received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.
The political rift between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the case. At first, the group numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.
A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.
In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.
Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.
A Wider Pattern
Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.
Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, the mother 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 weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”