Radio Presenter Granted Bail in Russian Recruitment Case, Travel Restricted

Radio Presenter Among Five Granted Bail in Russia Recruitment Probe

A legal drama unfolded in Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday as SAfm presenter Nonkululeko Mantula and four co-accused were granted bail in a case involving the recruitment of South Africans to join the Russian military.

Mantula, along with Xolani Ntuli, Sifiso Mabena, Siphamandla Tshabalala, and Thulani Mazibuko, faces charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, with authorities alleging she played a leading role in organising recruits.

Bail Conditions and Travel Restrictions

Mantula secured bail of R30,000, while Ntuli was released on R15,000. Mabena, Tshabalala, and Mazibuko were each granted R5,000 bail. However, the court placed strict conditions on all five:

• Passports were confiscated.

• They are prohibited from leaving South Africa or applying for new travel documents.

• Mantula must notify the investigating officer 48 hours in advance of any domestic travel.

The case has been postponed to 10 February 2026 for further investigation. The magistrate warned that failing to return to court or breaching bail conditions would result in immediate arrest.

Work and Travel Requests Denied

Mantula, co-chairperson of the BRICS Journalists Association, requested her passport back to attend a conference in Venezuela, arguing that travel is essential for her profession. Her lawyer highlighted that denying her travel would effectively prevent her from earning a living.

State prosecutor Pieter Erasmus opposed the request, describing Mantula as the “main planner” in the recruitment operation. He noted that Mantula had already travelled multiple times this year, including five trips to Russia in September alone.

Her request to retrieve her laptop, seized under the Cybercrimes Act, was also denied. Erasmus explained that investigations on the device are ongoing and returning it would impede the process.

Background of the Arrests

Mantula was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on 27 November after returning from an international trip. Her co-accused were intercepted earlier while attempting to board flights to Russia via the United Arab Emirates, following tip-offs to authorities. Ntuli was arrested at his home in Springs, Ekurhuleni, on 28 November.

The case has also drawn attention to Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, who has reportedly been linked to the recruitment scandal, though investigations are ongoing.

Public and Social Media Reaction

The case has sparked intense debate on social media, with many questioning how South Africans could be recruited to fight in a foreign military. Some commenters have expressed concern over national security implications, while others debated whether the bail amounts and travel restrictions are sufficient given the seriousness of the allegations.

The unfolding investigation has placed the Hawks under the spotlight as they continue to probe connections between domestic organisers and foreign military networks.

This story remains a developing investigation, highlighting the complexities of foreign recruitment cases in South Africa and the challenges authorities face in preventing citizens from participating in conflicts abroad.

{Source: The Citizen}

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