Overview
- The five accused — Nonkululeko Mantula, 39, Thulani Mazibuko, 24, Xolani Ntuli, 47, Siphamandla Tshabalala, 23, and Sfiso Mabena, 21 — appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
- Police say three men were intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport while trying to fly to Russia via the UAE, electronic devices and two backpacks were seized, and one recruit is believed to have already traveled to Russia.
- The Hawks allege Mantula coordinated recruitment and travel arrangements for South Africans to join the Russian Federation military.
- All five were remanded in custody, with the case postponed to 8 December for a formal bail application.
- Authorities are pursuing links to reports that 17 South Africans were lured to fight in eastern Ukraine, separate complaints involving Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla remain under investigation, and the Hawks are working with international partners to assess the network and security risks.