‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia
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 battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. 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, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. 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 deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface last month following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.
The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are not in work or education.
These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.
The Initial Contact
Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.
Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.
Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”
Political Connections
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.
The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.
In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.
The Journey to War
The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.
In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”
Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.
Government Response and Ongoing Anguish
Recently, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.
A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.
A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.
Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.
The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to requests for comment.
A Wider Pattern
Authorities have indicated 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.
In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “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. I mean, who does that?”