SAFM presenter, four others back in court over alleged recruitment for Russian military
Five accused, Nonkululeko Mantula (39), Thulani Mazibuko (24), Xolani Ntuli (47), Siphamandla Tshabalala (23) and Sfiso Mabena (21) will appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates court facing charges of contravention of Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
SAFM radio presenter Nonkululeko Mantula and four co-accused are expected appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on allegations they recruited South Africans to fight for Russia in its war with Ukraine.
Mantula, 39, along with Thulani Mazibuko, 24, Xolani Ntuli, 47, Siphamandla Tshabalala, 23, and Sfiso Mabena, 21, are charged with contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act of 1998.
The group was arrested in December by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks.
At the time of the arrest, Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said they received a tip-off from police at OR Tambo International Airport regarding three men who were allegedly en route to Russia via the United Arab Emirates.
“They were removed from the boarding gate after raising suspicion and referred to the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State section,” Mogale said.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a South African woman had allegedly facilitated the travel and recruitment of the individuals into the Russian Federation military.
A fourth suspect was arrested upon returning from an overseas trip, while the fifth was detained on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Search-and-seizure warrants were executed, and electronic devices and two backpacks were confiscated for further investigation.
“Coordination with intelligence and international law-enforcement agencies is ongoing to determine the full extent of the network and any further security threats,” Mogale said.
Mantula’s bail was set at R30,000, while Ntuli, whose application fell under Schedule 5, was granted bail of R15,000.
The remaining accused were each granted bail of R5,000, with conditions.
The court also restricted Mantula’s travel to within South Africa’s borders.
The case came to light last month following allegations that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, may have been involved in recruiting individuals to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Her alleged involvement is currently under investigation by the Hawks.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News