‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russian Forces

A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. Their final conversation, he voiced concern that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been gravely ill with anxiety.

“My health is truly suffering,” she stated, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, heart palpitations. It's overwhelming. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It’s not easy for me.”

Her son was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, as stated in legal filings, were deceptively recruited for fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma.

A Startling Allegation

Allegations about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month after the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, lodged a formal complaint claiming that several individuals had misled the men.

This claim sent shock waves through South Africa, where the wider scandal has highlighted the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a substantial percentage of under-35s are not in work or education.

These individuals are thought to remain caught in a conflict they did not sign up for, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives.

The Initial Contact

The mother, whose identity is protected, said she and her son were introduced to the accused via a family connection when her son was still a child. She stated that contact was made in June with what was presented as an lucrative prospect in the foreign country.

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 join a self-improvement course, after which they could study abroad and even secure foreign nationality.

Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for contracts for the school and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They need to go, it is an immediate necessity.’”

Political Connections

Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a fierce defender of her parent, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures 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 frequently declared her backing for Russia. On social media, she has made statements aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow.

Separately, she is facing legal proceedings on charges of terrorism and inciting violence related to social media activity during previous riots. She denies those charges.

From Airport to Battlefield

The men reportedly met at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Communication records from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.

By mid-August, the men started demanding answers from their recruiters, stating they were being split up. One message clearly read: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.”

Towards the month's end, the young man called his mother to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement associated with another member of the group appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the war since its beginning.

Official Actions and Family Despair

Recently, the office of the South African president confirmed it had been contacted by the men and was working to bring them home. The government noted that recruiting for foreign militaries without state authorization is illegal.

A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the group numbered 20 South Africans, but a few were permitted to come back.

A mid-November call between the accused and relatives of the men reportedly yielded no answers. Soon thereafter, the police report was filed by another family member, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “based on deception” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group.

Reacting to this, the accused submitted a statement asserting she had been deceived by an associate into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose my own family to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.

The other named recruiters could not be reached for comment. A government spokesperson said there was no new information on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries.

Broader Implications

Reports suggest that a significant number of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.

In a separate case, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia.

Meanwhile, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to take a child … I think that is outright evil,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she betrayed them like that. What kind of person does that?”