Overview
- The court released the five on bail unopposed by the State, setting R30,000 for Mantula, R15,000 for Ntuli under Schedule 5, and R5,000 each for the remaining three, with Mantula’s travel restricted to South Africa.
- The case was postponed to 10 February 2026 for further investigation, according to the National Prosecuting Authority.
- The accused face counts under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998 for allegedly running a recruitment scheme linked to Russia.
- NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the suspects were removed from a boarding gate at OR Tambo International Airport after a tip-off, allegedly bound for Russia via the United Arab Emirates.
- Authorities have reported that 17 South African men were sent to Russia in July after being promised security work, while separate DA-laid human trafficking charges implicating Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla are under Hawks investigation and family claims of a R14 million payment demand remain unverified.