‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia
One parent has not heard from her son since the end of 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 Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.
“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue 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 is an immense struggle.”
The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Political Bombshell
Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month after the South African government said it was trying to help nationals trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.
The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.
These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.
A Fateful Introduction
The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.
A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.
Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”
A Complex Backdrop
Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president 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 backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the government in Moscow.
Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.
From Airport to Battlefield
The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.
In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
Towards the month's end, the son called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities 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 working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.
A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. At first, the group numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.
A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.
In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter 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.
Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.
Broader Implications
Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.
Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”