‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces

One parent has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I suffer panic attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Constant headaches and dizziness. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men.

The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of young adults are not in work or education.

The men are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families far from home dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to 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 Russia.

A portion of the group were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become security personnel for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions 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 made statements showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of serious offenses related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August apparently indicate the group's concerns.

In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”

In late August, the son contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. A document linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that assisting foreign militaries without official permission is against the law.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the situation. At first, the contingent numbered twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.

A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another family member, accusing her half-sister and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a proper 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. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on charges relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … I think that is sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”