SAfm Presenter Nonkululeko Mantula Remanded As Five Face Charges Over Alleged Russian Military Recruitment

SAfm presenter Nonkululeko Mantula is among five people who appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday following allegations that they helped recruit South Africans to join the Russian military.

Mantula, 39, appeared alongside Thulani Mazibuko, 24, Xolani Ntuli, 47, Siphamandla Tshabalala, 23, and Sfiso Mabena, 21. All five face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.

The group was remanded in custody and is expected to return to court in seven days for a formal bail application. The arrests were carried out by the Hawks over the weekend.

Hawks Probe Alleged Recruitment Network Linked to Russian Military

According to Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale, the investigation began after OR Tambo SAPS alerted authorities about three men preparing to travel to Russia via the United Arab Emirates.

“They were removed from a boarding gate after raising suspicion and referred to the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State (CATS) section,” Mogale said.

She added that, “Preliminary investigation revealed that a South African woman had been facilitating the travel and recruitment of these individuals into the Russian Federation military.”

One suspect was arrested upon landing back in South Africa from an overseas trip, while another was detained on Saturday, 29 November 2025.

Search Warrants Executed as Investigators Uncover More Evidence

The Hawks executed search and seizure warrants targeting the accused, who investigators believe assisted four men and another individual who had already departed for Russia.

“Upon the individual’s arrival at OR Tambo International Airport on November 27, the individual was interviewed, during which further evidence was uncovered,” Mogale said.

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This development led to the arrest of three more suspects on 28 November. Electronic devices and two backpacks were seized as part of the ongoing investigation.

Mogale confirmed that the Hawks are working with intelligence partners and international law-enforcement agencies to determine the scale of the alleged recruitment operation and assess any potential security risks.

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