‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Reportedly 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 dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, heart 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 Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge recently following the national authorities said it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through South Africa, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship 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 trapped in a war they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away 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 when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could enrol on a self-improvement course, upon completion they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in pushing for stronger alliances with countries often at odds with Western powers.

The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

The Journey to War

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been involved in the hostilities since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the national leadership said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Initially, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and relatives of the men allegedly provided no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals were unavailable for comment. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently appeared in court on charges relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could exploit a young person … That constitutes outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”