‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Battling for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June 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. Others were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, 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 pushing for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with 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 beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”