‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“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 overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was part of a group of 17 South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month following the South African government said it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions 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.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

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

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son 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 service agreement with a designated force 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 illegal.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the case. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring 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 another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “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 could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, five more individuals including a media personality recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”