‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. The last time they spoke, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, as stated in multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's role began to emerge recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused via a family connection 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 trained as security personnel for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Early hesitation eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” 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 father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions 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 aligning herself with the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups 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 military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement 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 said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures adds a layer of complexity to the case. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but three were allowed to come back.

A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men allegedly provided no answers. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, accusing her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper training course. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.

A Wider Pattern

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment.

In a separate case, five more individuals including a media personality recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “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. I mean, who does that?”