‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russia

One parent has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, fatigue 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.”

The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month following the South African government said it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, a different family member, filed a police report claiming that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.

The accusation rippled through the nation, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of young adults are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be caught in a war they did not sign up for, while their families 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 years ago. She stated that contact was made in June with what was described as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a fierce defender of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Moscow date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.

The accused has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during past unrest. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Messages 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. One message explicitly stated: “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 forced to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

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

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit claiming she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family 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. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls 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 similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to exploit a young person … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”