Military recruitment case postponed as SA seeks legal aid from Russia

The Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court has postponed the high-profile case involving five South Africans accused of recruiting young people to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine. Investigators say the delay is necessary as authorities await device downloads and seek mutual legal assistance from Russian authorities.

Who’s involved

Among the accused is 39-year-old popular SAfm radio presenter Nonkululeko Mantula, who allegedly played a central role in facilitating travel and recruitment for the Russian military. She faces a charge under South Africa’s Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, along with co-accused 24-year-old Thulani Mazibuko, 23-year-old Siphamandla Chabalala, 21-year-old Sfiso Mabena, and another individual, Ntuli.

All five appeared in court on Tuesday, with bail granted: Mantula at R30 000, Ntuli at R15 000, and the remaining three at R5 000 each.

The arrests

The group was apprehended after a tip-off at OR Tambo International Airport. Police intercepted the suspects as they attempted to travel to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. Suspicious behaviour flagged them for further investigation, and the case was referred to the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit.

The Hawks allege that Mantula played a coordinating role, recruiting her co-accused and facilitating their journeys to Russia. Subsequent investigations resulted in the arrest of the remaining individuals.

Legal proceedings and next steps

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the court adjourned the case to 29 April 2026 to allow further investigations. The state is awaiting reports from the Financial Intelligence Centre for all accused persons and is seeking mutual legal assistance from Russia to strengthen the case.

“Each of the accused faces a charge of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998,” Mohlatlole confirmed.

Broader political context

The arrests come amid a flurry of political developments. The MK party recently announced that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, former president Jacob Zuma’s daughter, is stepping down from her parliamentary role. While the party has not elaborated on her response to allegations, the DA has laid charges against her and her sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, accusing them of recruiting family members for foreign military operations.

Public reaction

Social media users have expressed shock and concern over the case, questioning how South Africans could be lured into overseas conflicts. Many have called for stricter monitoring of military recruitment channels and tighter enforcement of the Foreign Military Assistance Act, highlighting the risks posed to young people misled by promises of lucrative contracts.

With device downloads still pending and Russia’s cooperation required, the case is far from over. Observers say the next few months will be crucial, not only for the accused but for South Africa’s broader efforts to curb illegal military recruitment abroad. The April court date is expected to bring more clarity as authorities continue piecing together the chain of events that led to these arrests.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the global reach of conflict and the vigilance needed to protect citizens from becoming unwitting participants in foreign wars.

{Source: The Citizen}

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