A radio presenter and four co-accused facing charges related to the alleged recruitment of South Africans to join the Russian military have been granted bail by the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.
SAfm presenter Nonkululeko Mantula appeared in court on Monday alongside Xolani Ntuli, Sifiso Mabena, Siphamandla Tshabalala and Thulani Mazibuko.
The five face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which governs South African involvement in foreign armed forces.
Bail Granted, With Strict Conditions
State prosecutor Pieter Erasmus told the court the state did not oppose bail for any of the accused.
- Mantula was granted bail of R30 000
- Ntuli was released on R15 000
- Mazibuko, Tshabalala and Mabena were each granted R5 000 bail
The court heard that Ntuli has a prior conviction for reckless and negligent driving dating back to 1993, for which he paid a fine.
Erasmus confirmed that the offence occurred when Ntuli was a minor and was not considered significant for the current matter.
All five accused were ordered to surrender their passports, are barred from applying for new travel documents, and are prohibited from leaving South Africa.
Mantula must additionally notify the investigating officer 48 hours in advance of any travel within the country.
The magistrate warned that failure to comply would result in warrants of arrest and possible detention until the matter is finalised.
The case was postponed to 10 February 2026 for further investigation.
Travel and Work Requests Dismissed
Mantula, who also serves as co-chairperson of the BRICS Journalists Association, requested the temporary return of her passport so she could travel to Venezuela for a journalism conference.
Her lawyer argued that international travel is essential to her work.
Erasmus opposed the application, describing Mantula as the alleged “main planner” in the recruitment scheme and arguing that monitoring her international travel would place “unnecessary strain” on investigators.
He also revealed that she travelled abroad “numerous times” this year, including five trips to Russia in September.
Her request for the return of her laptop – seized under the Cybercrimes Act – was also denied, with the state indicating that forensic downloads had not yet begun.
Arrests Linked to Alleged Recruitment Network
Mantula was arrested on 27 November at OR Tambo International Airport upon returning from abroad.
Mazibuko, Tshabalala and Mabena were taken into custody earlier after allegedly attempting to depart for Russia via the United Arab Emirates, following suspicions raised at a boarding gate.
Ntuli was arrested on 28 November at his home in Springs, where investigators say he was preparing to leave for Russia.
The Hawks are continuing their probe, which also links the matter to prominent political figures.
Among those under investigation is former MK Party MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma.
She has not been charged.
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