‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces
A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.
“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”
The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens trapped in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.
The accusation sent shock waves 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 not in work or education.
The men are thought to remain trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives.
The Initial Contact
The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were introduced to Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.
A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.
Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”
A Complex Backdrop
The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with nations 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 leadership in Moscow.
In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
From Airport to Battlefield
The men reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums 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 being split up. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset.
Government Response and Ongoing Anguish
In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.
A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to return home.
A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, claiming her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.
Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.
The other named recruiters were unavailable for comment. An official representative said there was no new information 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 citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces 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 charges relating to involvement for Russia.
Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … 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. I mean, who does that?”