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

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. From that moment, she has been physically unwell with worry.

“I’m honestly really sick,” she said, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I suffer panic 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 Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russian military forces. The alleged scheme is linked to a daughter of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Political Bombshell

Claims about the individual's role began to surface recently after the South African government said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in the war zone. Then, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has highlighted the severe financial hardship facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

These individuals are believed to be caught in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away dread for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

Mary, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were connected with the accused through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in Russia.

Some of the men were allegedly told they would be instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Longstanding relations between certain factions and Moscow date back many years. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers.

She has also publicly expressed her backing for Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.

In another matter, she is facing legal proceedings on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to online posts during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The group allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated 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. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

In late August, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, 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 recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

The political rift between current and former leaders adds a layer of complication to the case. Initially, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the formal allegation was filed by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, 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 anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her political position.

Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to warn their citizens about these activities.

In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently appeared in court on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.

Meanwhile, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to 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?”