🔗 Share this article ‘Pure Malevolence’: Anguish and Anger as South Africans Reportedly Tricked into Fighting for Russia A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety. “My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.” The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma. A Political Bombshell Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month following the South African government said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men. This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education. The men are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives. A Fateful Introduction The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country. Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship. Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’” A Complex Backdrop Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers. The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow. Separately, 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 the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns. In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.” In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset. Government Response and Ongoing Anguish In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal. A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force. Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position. The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries. Broader Implications Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment. Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia. Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … 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?”
A mother has had no contact with her son since the end of August. Their final conversation, he expressed fear that he was being dispatched to the frontlines of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Since that day, she has been physically unwell with anxiety. “My health is truly suffering,” she stated, exhaustion evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, I’m in and out of hospital, palpitations. It’s just a whole lot. Headaches, I’m dizzy all the time. It is an immense struggle.” The young man was part of a group of seventeen South African and two Botswanan men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russia. The alleged scheme is connected with a family member of former South African president Jacob Zuma. A Political Bombshell Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's involvement began to surface last month following the South African government said it was trying to help citizens stranded in the war zone. Subsequently, in a bombshell intervention, another of Zuma’s daughters, lodged a formal complaint alleging that several individuals had misled the men. This claim rippled through the nation, where the wider scandal has shone a light on the dire economic situation facing a significant youth demographic. Reports indicate a large portion of under-35s are not in work or education. The men are believed to be trapped in a war they never agreed to join, while their relatives far from home dread for their lives. A Fateful Introduction The mother, whose name has been changed, said she and her son were connected with Zuma-Sambudla via a family connection years ago. She stated that an offer was presented in June with what was presented as an exciting opportunity in the foreign country. Some of the men were allegedly told they would be trained as bodyguards for a political party associated with Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, after which they could study abroad and even secure Russian citizenship. Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I recall requesting for written agreements for the school and it was just so rushed,” she said. “They insisted: ‘They must leave, it is an immediate necessity.’” A Complex Backdrop Zuma-Sambudla, is known as a vocal supporter of her father, who retains significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back decades. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for stronger alliances with nations often at odds with Western powers. The accused has also frequently declared her support of Russia. On social media, she has shared posts showing solidarity to the government in Moscow. Separately, 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 the summer before traveling to Moscow. Communication records from private chat groups from July and August reportedly show the group's concerns. In the following weeks, the men began questioning from their contacts, stating they were being split up. A communication clearly read: “We have been placed with a military group, in Ukraine. This is not Russia.” In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in Russian. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a contract with a specific military unit that has been active in the war since its outset. Government Response and Ongoing Anguish In early November, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was working to secure their return. The government emphasized that recruiting for foreign militaries without official permission is illegal. A deep rivalry between current and former leaders introduces an element of complication to the case. At first, the contingent included twenty individuals, but a few were permitted to return home. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and relatives of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Shortly after, the formal allegation was lodged by another relative, accusing her half-sister and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a foreign fighting force. Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla filed her own affidavit asserting she had been misled by an associate into believing it was a legitimate program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in excerpts of her statement. She subsequently resigned from her political position. The other named recruiters were unavailable for a statement. An official representative said there was “no update” on efforts to repatriate the men. Foreign embassies have not responded to inquiries. Broader Implications Authorities have indicated that a significant number of African nationals are fighting alongside Moscow's military in Ukraine, leading to appeals for nations to alert their populations about such recruitment. Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans including a media personality recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to recruitment and fighting for Russia. Throughout this ordeal, Mary continues to be worried sick and bewildered and angry. “For someone to exploit a young person … 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?”