‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Deceived into Fighting for Russia

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 Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been gravely ill with worry.

“My health is truly suffering,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge recently after the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report claiming that several individuals had deceptively recruited the men.

The accusation 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 large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that contact was made in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, 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.”

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to agree to terms in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the contingent included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused submitted a statement asserting 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 excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Reports suggest that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”