‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russian Forces
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 war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.
“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Constant headaches and dizziness. 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 tricked into serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently following the South African government announced it was attempting to assist nationals stranded in Ukraine. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had deceptively recruited the men.
The accusation rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.
These individuals 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 connected with the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.
Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a personal development programme, upon completion they could study abroad and even obtain Russian citizenship.
Initial wariness 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, it is an immediate necessity.’”
Political Connections
The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with nations often at odds with Western powers.
The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.
Separately, she is currently on trial on charges of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
The Journey to War
The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups dated July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.
In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were separated. One message clearly read: “We are 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 sign a contract in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its beginning.
Official Actions and Family Despair
In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government emphasized that assisting external armed forces without official permission is against the law.
A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.
A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.
In response, the accused submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.
Other individuals could not be reached for comment. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.
A Wider Pattern
Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.
Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Meanwhile, the mother continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”