‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Fury as Citizens Allegedly Tricked into Battling for Russia
One parent has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, he expressed fear that he was being sent to the battle lines of the war between the Russian Federation and its neighbor. From that moment, she has been physically unwell 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.”
The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to legal filings, were deceptively recruited for serving with Russia. The alleged scheme is linked to a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma.
A Startling Allegation
Claims about the individual's involvement began to emerge last month after the national authorities said it was attempting to assist nationals trapped in Ukraine. Subsequently, in a dramatic development, a different family member, filed a police report alleging that Zuma-Sambudla and two others had misled the men.
This claim sent shock waves through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are unemployed and not studying.
The men are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their families 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 years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in the middle of the year with what was described as an exciting opportunity in Russia.
A portion of the group were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were given the impression they could enrol on a personal development programme, after which they could attend a Russian university and even obtain foreign nationality.
Initial wariness was overcome by agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the program and it was just so rushed,” the mother said. “They insisted: ‘They need to go, they need to go urgently.’”
Political Connections
Zuma-Sambudla, has long been a vocal supporter of her parent, who retains 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 closer relationships with countries often at in conflict with Western powers.
The accused has also publicly expressed her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow.
Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She denies those charges.
From Airport to Battlefield
The men reportedly met at a travel hub in early July before flying to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease.
By mid-August, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication explicitly stated: “We are with a military group, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.”
Towards the month's end, the son 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 appears to be a contract with a designated force that has been active in the hostilities since its outset.
Government Response and Ongoing Anguish
In early November, the office of the South African president said it had received distress calls the men and was working to bring them home. The government emphasized that recruiting for external armed forces without official permission is illegal.
The political rift between the two political figures introduces an element of complication to the situation. Initially, the group included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home.
A subsequent conversation between the accused and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the police report was filed by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of enticing the men “under false pretences” 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. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role.
Other individuals could not be reached for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on the mission to bring back the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to requests for comment.
Broader Implications
Authorities have indicated that hundreds of African nationals are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment.
In a separate case, five more individuals among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia.
Meanwhile, Mary continues to be consumed by fear and full of confusion and rage. “For someone to take a child … That constitutes sheer wickedness,” she said. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. I mean, who does that?”