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

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue 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’s not easy for me.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's involvement began to surface last month following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education.

The men 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.

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 the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers 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 pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts 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 efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals 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 recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “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 betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”