Courts & Legal
SAfm presenter and four accused back in court over alleged Russia recruitment
A case that has been quietly building for months is now back in the spotlight as a well-known radio voice and four co-accused return to the dock in Gauteng.
SAfm presenter Nonkululeko Mantula, 39, is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court alongside Thulani Mazibuko, 24, Xolani Ntuli, 47, Siphamandla Tshabalala, 23, and Sfiso Mabena, 21. The group faces charges linked to allegedly recruiting South Africans to fight for Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine.
What the charges relate to
Prosecutors allege the five contravened South Africa’s Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act of 1998, legislation that restricts citizens from participating in foreign armed conflicts without proper authorisation.
The case has drawn national attention because it touches on a sensitive line between private recruitment activity and South Africa’s strict stance against mercenary involvement.
Authorities say the arrests were made in December by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.
How the investigation began
The investigation reportedly started after police at OR Tambo International Airport flagged three men who were believed to be travelling to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. The men were stopped at the boarding gate after raising suspicion and were handed over to the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit.
Early findings suggested that a South African woman may have helped arrange travel and recruitment into the Russian military structure. As the probe widened, a fourth suspect was arrested after returning from an overseas trip, while a fifth was detained in late November 2025.
Search and seizure operations followed, with investigators confiscating electronic devices and backpacks believed to be relevant to the case. Law enforcement agencies, including international partners, are still working to determine whether a broader network exists and whether any further security risks remain.
Bail and court conditions
Mantula was granted bail of R30,000, while Ntuli received bail of R15,000 under Schedule 5 provisions. The remaining accused were each released on bail of R5,000 with conditions.
The court also imposed travel restrictions on Mantula, limiting movement to within South Africa’s borders while proceedings continue.
Why this case is drawing public attention
Beyond the courtroom, the matter has stirred strong public reaction because it connects South Africans directly to a foreign war that has dominated global headlines for more than two years.
The situation gained additional traction after separate allegations surfaced suggesting that Duduzile Zuma Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, may also have been involved in recruiting individuals to fight in the same conflict. That aspect remains under investigation and is being handled as a separate process.
For many South Africans, the story has sparked wider debate about how vulnerable young people can be drawn into overseas conflicts through promises of opportunity or income. Others see it as a reminder of why the country maintains tight laws around foreign military involvement.
The bigger picture
South Africa has historically taken a firm legal position against citizens participating in foreign armed forces without approval, largely shaped by past controversies around mercenary activity on the continent.
This case now sits at the intersection of national security, international politics, and domestic law enforcement. With intelligence agencies still tracing possible links and networks, the next court appearances are likely to determine how far the investigation reaches.
For now, all five accused remain before the courts as the legal process continues.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Facebook/MDN News
