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 Colonel Katlego Mogale said the arrests formed part of a broader probe into how South Africans were being facilitated into joining the Russian military.
Early findings suggested that the alleged recruitment network involved a South African woman who helped coordinate travel for those seeking to enlist, a detail that aligns with the state’s case against Mantula, who prosecutors say played a central organising role.
In court, the magistrate confirmed that the state did not oppose bail.
“The state is not opposed to the release of the applicants on bail. The state has not adduced any evidence in respect of this application.”
The court also scrutinised Ntuli’s background because his bail application fell under Schedule 5. The magistrate noted that he had been preparing to leave for Russia at the time of his arrest.
Bail was set at R30 000 for Mantula, R15 000 for Ntuli, and R5 000 each for Mazibuko, Chabalala and Mabena. All five were ordered to surrender their passports and are barred from leaving South Africa until the case concludes.
“The valid passports of accused 1 to 5 shall remain in the custody of the investigating officer… The accused are ordered not to depart from the Republic,” the magistrate ruled.
Mantula must also inform the investigating officer 48 hours before any domestic travel.
The arrests come amid growing scrutiny of alleged recruitment efforts in South Africa. Last Month, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, resigned as an uMkhonto weSizwe Party MP following claims, which she denies, that she was linked to similar recruitment activities.
All five accused are expected back in court on 10 February 2026 as investigations continue.
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