Radio presenter Nonkululeko Mantula and four accused in alleged Russian military recruitment ring granted bail

By Thapelo Molefe

Five suspects arrested in connection with an alleged operation to recruit South Africans to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine have been granted bail at the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court.

SABC freelance radio presenter Nonkululeko Mantula, Thulani Mazibuko,  Xolani Ntuli, Siphamandla Chabalala, and Sifiso Mabena face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act of 1998.

The legislation prohibits South Africans from taking part in armed conflicts abroad without government approval.

The arrests were carried out by the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit after a tip-off from police at OR Tambo International Airport. Officers were alerted to four individuals preparing to board a flight to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. 

The group was stopped at the boarding gate and handed over to the Hawks for further investigation. A fifth suspect was arrested later and linked to the same operation.

Hawks spokesperson