🔗 Share this article ‘Pure Malevolence’: Heartbreak and Anger as Citizens Reportedly Deceived into Battling for Russian Forces A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, 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 said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, 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 citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma. A Startling Allegation Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. 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 South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying. These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives. The Initial Contact 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 contact was made 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 instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship. Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’” A Complex Backdrop The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers. She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow. Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges. The Journey to War The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease. In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.” In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its beginning. Government Response and Ongoing Anguish Recently, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission 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 three were allowed to return home. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role. Other individuals 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 Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities. Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia. Meanwhile, the mother 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. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”
A mother has had no contact with her son since late August. The last time they spoke, 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 said, fatigue evident in her voice. “I get anxiety attacks, my hospital visits are frequent, 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 citizens of Botswana men who, according to multiple lawsuits, were tricked into fighting for Russian military forces. The purported operation is connected with a family member of ex-president Jacob Zuma. A Startling Allegation Claims about Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's role began to emerge last month following the national authorities announced it was trying to help nationals trapped in the war zone. 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 South Africa, where the broader situation has shone a light on the severe financial hardship facing many of its young people. Statistics show a substantial percentage of under-35s are unemployed and not studying. These individuals are believed to be trapped in a conflict they never agreed to join, while their relatives thousands of miles away fear for their lives. The Initial Contact 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 contact was made 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 instructed to become security personnel for a political party led by Jacob Zuma. Others were allegedly told they could join a personal development programme, upon completion they could attend a Russian university and even obtain Russian citizenship. Initial wariness eventually gave way to agreement. “I remember asking for written agreements for the program and it was handled with great urgency,” the mother said. “The message was: ‘They must leave, they need to go urgently.’” A Complex Backdrop The accused, is known as a fierce defender of her father, who holds significant sway nationally. Historical ties between South African political structures and Russia date back many years. Jacob Zuma has been a leading figure in pushing for closer relationships with nations often at in conflict with Western powers. She has also frequently declared her support of Russia. Online, she has shared posts aligning herself with the leadership in Moscow. Separately, she is currently on trial on accusations of serious offenses related to social media activity during past unrest. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges. The Journey to War The men allegedly gathered at a travel hub in the summer before flying to Moscow. Messages from online forums dated July and August apparently indicate the men's growing unease. In the following weeks, the men started demanding answers from their contacts, stating they were being split up. One message explicitly stated: “We have been placed with a paramilitary organization, in Ukraine. We are not in Russia.” In late August, the young man contacted his parent to say he was being pressured to sign a contract in a language he did not understand. An agreement linked to another member of the group appears to be a service agreement with a specific military unit that has been involved in the war since its beginning. Government Response and Ongoing Anguish Recently, the national leadership said it had received distress calls the men and was attempting to secure their return. The government noted that assisting foreign militaries without official permission 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 three were allowed to return home. A subsequent conversation between Zuma-Sambudla and families of the men reportedly yielded little clarity. Soon thereafter, the police report was lodged by another relative, claiming her sibling and others of luring the men “under false pretences” and handing them to a Russian mercenary group. Reacting to this, Zuma-Sambudla submitted a statement claiming she had been deceived by another recruiter into believing it was a proper program. “I would not knowingly expose anyone to harm,” she said in parts of her statement. She subsequently stepped down from her elected role. Other individuals 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 Authorities have indicated that hundreds of citizens from African countries are serving with Russian forces in Ukraine, prompting calls for nations to warn their citizens about these activities. Unrelated to this incident, several other South Africans among them a public figure recently faced a judge on similar allegations relating to involvement for Russia. Meanwhile, the mother 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. “Promises were made that they weren’t going to war and she lets them down like that. What kind of person does that?”