‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Fury as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russia
One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.
“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion 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 is an immense struggle.”
The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently after the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.
The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.
These individuals are believed to be caught in a war they never agreed to join, while their families far from home fear for their lives.
The Initial Contact
Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.
A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.
Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”
Political Connections
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.
The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.
In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
From Airport to Battlefield
The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease.
In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
In late August, the son called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.
Official Actions and Family Despair
Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.
The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.
A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.
Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.
Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.
A Wider Pattern
Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.
In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to involvement for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”