Court grants bail to five suspects in Russian military recruitment case
The Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court has granted bail to five accused: Patricia Mantula, Thulani Mazibuko, Siphamandla Ntuli, Chabalala and Sfiso Mabena .They each face a charge of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998.
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
Five people accused of running a military recruitment programme for Russia have been granted bail - unopposed by the State.
The accused, Patricia Mantula (39), Thulani Mazibuko (24), Siphamandla Ntuli (23), Chabalala (23), and Sfiso Mabena (21) appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)The State did not oppose bail for the five accused, as no grounds existed to justify their continued detention.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the suspects were nabbed following a tip-off from police stationed at the OR Tambo International Airport.
The accused were allegedly on their way to Russia via the United Arab Emirates.
"They were removed from the boarding gate after raising suspicion. It is further alleged that the first accused, Mantula, facilitated the travel and recruitment of her co-accused into the Russian Federation military. Subsequent investigations led to the apprehension of the remaining accused," Mjonondwane said.
Bail was set at different amounts.
Due to Ntuli's bail application falling within the ambit of Schedule 5, he was granted R15,000.
Meanwhile, Mantula’s bail was set at R30,000, while the other accused were each granted bail of R5,000, with conditions.
"The court additionally restricted Mantula’s travel to within the borders of South Africa. The matter was postponed to February 10, 2026 for further investigation," Mjonondwane said.
The matter came to light last month following allegations that President Jacob Zuma’s controversial daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, was allegedly part of the recruitment of men to fight in the Russian-Ukraine war.
Zuma-Sambudla's alleged involvement is under investigation by Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.
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