A radio presenter and four others appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with recruiting South Africans to fight for Russia in its war with the Ukraine.
Prominent SAFM host Patricia Mantula (39), Thulani Mazibuko (24), Siphamandla Chabalala (23), and Sfiso Mabena (21) face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998. The case has been postponed to 29 April to allow the State to complete investigations spanning two continents.
The postponement will enable prosecutors to obtain Financial Intelligence Centre reports on all five accused, which are expected to reveal the financial arrangements behind their alleged recruitment. Authorities are also seeking mutual legal assistance from Russia, requiring cooperation between the two nations’ justice systems to share evidence.
The group was arrested following a tip-off from police stationed at OR Tambo International Airport, who intercepted them as they attempted to board a flight to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. Officers removed them from the boarding gate after deeming their behaviour and travel plans suspicious.
Investigators allege that Mantula played a central role in the scheme by facilitating both the travel arrangements and recruitment of her four co-accused into the Russian Federation’s military forces.
The Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act prohibits South African citizens and residents from engaging in foreign military activities without government authorisation. Violations can result in substantial penalties, including imprisonment.
The case has also drawn attention to 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. Zuma-Sambudla resigned as an MK Party member of parliament in November when these allegations became public. Her alleged involvement is currently under investigation by the Hawks.
The accused are expected to return to court on 29 April, by which time authorities hope to have compiled evidence including financial records and information obtained through international legal channels.
