‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The purported operation is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim 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. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel 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 attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, 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. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been a leading figure in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

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

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. Initially, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “based on deception” 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 legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I 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. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces 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 faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”