South Africans Allegedly Recruited To Fight In Russia–Ukraine War For R14 Million

Five South Africans accused of recruiting local men to fight in the Russia–Ukraine war are set to appear in court this week, marking a critical development in a case that has captured both national and international attention.

The suspects — Nonkululeko Mantula, Xolani Ntuli, Thulani Mazibuko, Siphamandla Tshabalala, and Sifiso Mabena — are scheduled to appear at Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Authorities say 17 South African men were sent to Russia in July 2025 after being promised legitimate security work. Most of the recruits, aged between 20 and 39, came from KwaZulu-Natal, with one from the Eastern Cape.

R14 Million Deal: Families Speak Out on Recruitment Scandal

Thulani Mahlangu, spokesperson for the affected families, revealed the shocking scale of the operation. “When they got to Russia, they found themselves being contracts written in Russian. They couldn’t understand what the contracts entailed until some South Africans, including Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and others, convinced them to sign,” Mahlangu told the SABC.

He claimed that the men were effectively “sold” for R14 million, with families deeply affected by the ordeal. Mahlangu said the recruits underwent a month of training, believing it was military preparation for war.

Legal Actions and Human Trafficking Allegations

In November, the Democratic Alliance (DA) filed human trafficking charges against Zuma-Sambudla, following new evidence that included roughly 100 WhatsApp messages from a group allegedly administered by her.

“These messages show clear coordination in luring at least 22 men to Russia under the guise of ‘personal development’, ‘security training’, and even promises of Russian or Canadian citizenship,” said DA spokesperson Chris Hattingh.

Mahlangu stated that former President Zuma was informed about the training in September. “He wrote a letter to the commanders of the groups, and they were prepared to release the boys… When they got there, they had a video call with Zuma-Sambudla and everything changed,” Mahlangu said.

Zuma-Sambudla has maintained that she was misled and is a victim herself.

Diplomatic Challenges and Dangerous Conditions

Mahlangu added that another letter, allegedly from Zuma, instructed the men to remain in Russia for 12 months. Attempts to involve the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) and the Russian embassy were reportedly unsuccessful.

“At the Ukraine embassy, they were not aware that there are South Africans on the side of Russia,” Mahlangu said. The embassy reportedly urged the men to surrender, but he explained that returning was risky due to their status in a private military company, not the official Russian army.

Mahlangu claimed the commanders could release the men if R14 million was paid, but families are unable to raise the funds. Some parents approached Zuma, who was unaware of the true nature of the training, believing the men were undergoing VIP protection training.

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The spokesperson also revealed the harsh conditions faced by the recruits. One man suffered a heart attack and is recovering in hospital, while others were sent to the frontlines in freezing conditions. Mahlangu claimed that two men from Botswana were killed in a drone strike.

He stressed that the men were misled. “There is an element of fraud and forgery because in September the president wrote a letter, but later his signature was forged in another letter stating they could continue with their training. When one signs the contracts, they are unlikely to come back because it consists of 12 months,” Mahlangu said.

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