🔗 Share this article ‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Deceived into Fighting 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 war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry. “My health is truly suffering,” 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 Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma. A Political Bombshell Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men. The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education. These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives. The Initial Contact Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia. Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality. Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’” Political Connections Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers. She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership 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 reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease. By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.” Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset. Official Actions and Family Despair In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal. The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives 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 luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role. The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment. Broader Implications Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment. In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement 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. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”
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 war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with worry. “My health is truly suffering,” 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 Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma. A Political Bombshell Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge recently following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men. The accusation sent shock waves through South Africa, where the broader situation has highlighted the dire economic situation facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education. These individuals are thought to remain trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their families far from home dread for their lives. The Initial Contact Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia. Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a self-improvement course, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality. Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’” Political Connections Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between South African political structures and Moscow date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at in conflict with Western powers. She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership 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 reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums from July and August reportedly show the men's growing unease. By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.” Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the hostilities since its outset. Official Actions and Family Despair In early November, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without official permission is illegal. The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the group included 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives 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 luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been misled by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her elected role. The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions did not reply to requests for comment. Broader Implications Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about such recruitment. In a separate case, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement 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. “She kept assuring them that they would not see combat and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”