‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Fury as Citizens Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia

A mother has not heard from her son since late August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. 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, palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.”

The young man was among a contingent of 17 South African and two citizens of Botswana men who, according to legal filings, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is linked to a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to surface recently after the national authorities announced it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Then, in a dramatic development, 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 shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.

The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives far from home fear for their lives.

A Fateful Introduction

The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla through a relative when her son was still a child. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in Russia.

A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. The remainder were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship.

Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” she said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’”

A Complex Backdrop

The accused, is known as a vocal supporter of her parent, who holds considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. The former president has been at the forefront in advocating for closer relationships with countries often at odds with Western powers.

She has also frequently declared her backing for Russia. Online, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

In another matter, she is currently on trial on accusations of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men allegedly gathered at a major international airport in early July before traveling to Moscow. Messages from online forums from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were separated. A communication clearly read: “We are with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group seems to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.

Government Response and Ongoing Anguish

Recently, the national leadership confirmed it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government noted that assisting external armed forces without state authorization is against the law.

A deep rivalry between the two political figures introduces an element of complexity to the case. At first, the contingent numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to return home.

A mid-November call between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a foreign fighting force.

In response, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a legitimate training course. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was no new information on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies did not reply to requests for comment.

Broader Implications

Authorities have indicated that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

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

Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and full of confusion and rage. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “She kept assuring them that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”