A prominent SABC freelance journalist Dr Nonkululeko Mantula (39), appeared in court today together with four other accused in the alleged recruitment of South African men as mercenaries to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. It is alleged that Mantula is the mastermind and recruiter in the case
Mantula was amongst a group of four who were arrested last month at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on suspicion of facilitating recruitment for the Russian military. A fifth suspect was was arrested at his home in Springs.
The arrests stemmed from a 28 November operation following information received by airport police. The suspects were intercepted at boarding gates while attempting to travel to Russia via the United Arab Emirates, raising suspicions that led to their removal from the departure area.
Investigators allege that Mantula orchestrated the recruitment and travel arrangements for her co-accused, facilitating their intended enlistment in Russian Federation military forces.
During the arrests, authorities confiscated electronic devices and personal belongings, which remain under forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
The five appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court today and where all were granted bail.
According to the State Prosecutor, Mantula had travelled to Russia five times since September.
Together with Mantula (39) in the dock were Thulani Mazibuko (24), Siphamandla Ntuli (23), Chabalala (23), and Sfiso Mabena (21). They face charges of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, legislation designed to prevent unauthorised foreign military involvement by South African citizens.
The State did not oppose bail applications for four of the five accused, stating no grounds existed to justify continued detention. However, Ntuli’s case required special consideration as it fell under Schedule 5 provisions, placing the burden on him to demonstrate that his release would serve the interests of justice. The court ruled in his favour, setting his bail at R15,000.
Magistrate imposed differentiated bail amounts reflecting the accused’s alleged varying roles in the recruitment scheme. Mantula received the highest bail of R30,000 and faces travel restrictions confining her to South African borders. The remaining three accused were each granted R5,000 bail with standard conditions.
The case has been postponed to 10 February 2026.
Novanews has previously reported about 17 South Africans allegedly trapped in Ukraine-Russia conflict.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has launched an investigation into this, following explosive allegations of human trafficking made by Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, who has accused her own sibling, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, along with two other individuals – Siphokasi Xuma and Blessing Khosa – of orchestrating an elaborate scheme involving South African men being trafficked to Russia under false pretences.
Nkosazana and Duduzile are both daughters of former SA president, Jacob Zuma.
ALSO READ: DPCI launches investigation into 17 South Africans reportedly trapped in Ukraine-Russia conflict
