‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces
A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry.
“I’m honestly really sick,” 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’s not easy for me.”
Her son was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month after the South African government announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.
This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.
These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families far from home fear for their lives.
A Fateful Introduction
The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to the accused through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.
A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.
Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”
Political Connections
The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia 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 frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.
Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
From Airport to Battlefield
The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums 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 being split up. One message clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”
In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the war since its beginning.
Official Actions and Family Despair
In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is illegal.
A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complication to the situation. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.
A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.
In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.
The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.
Broader Implications
Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.
In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, Mary 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 would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”