‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia
A mother has not heard from her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the battle lines of the war between Russia and its neighbor. From that moment, 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, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”
The young man was among a contingent of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Claims about the individual's role began to emerge last month after the South African government announced it was attempting to assist citizens stranded in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that several individuals had misled the men.
The accusation sent shock waves through the nation, where the broader situation has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.
The men are thought to remain 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 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 contact was made in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country.
Some of the men were reportedly promised they would be instructed to become bodyguards for a faction led by Jacob Zuma. The remainder were given the impression they could join a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship.
Early hesitation was overcome by agreement. “I remember asking for contracts for the program and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”
A Complex Backdrop
Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who retains considerable political influence nationally. Historical ties between certain factions and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma 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. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the leadership in Moscow.
In another matter, she is currently on trial on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.
From Airport to Battlefield
The group reportedly met at a major international airport in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns.
By mid-August, the men began questioning from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being forced to agree to terms in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group seems to be a service agreement with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its beginning.
Official Actions and Family Despair
Recently, the office of the South African president said it had been contacted by the men and was attempting to bring them home. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.
The political rift between current and former leaders introduces an element of complexity to the situation. At first, the group included twenty individuals, but three were allowed to return home.
A mid-November call between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded no answers. 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 foreign fighting force.
Reacting to this, the accused filed her own affidavit asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper training course. “Under no circumstances would I knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position.
The other named recruiters could not be reached for a statement. A government spokesperson said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Diplomatic missions have not responded to inquiries.
Broader Implications
Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to alert their populations about these activities.
In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.
Throughout this ordeal, the mother continues to be consumed by fear and bewildered and angry. “To think that someone could take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they would not see combat and she betrayed them like that. I mean, who does that?”