Mapaballo Borotho
- SAfm broadcaster and four co-accused have been remanded in custody over allegations of recruiting South Africans for the Russian military.
- The group was arrested after a police tip-off at OR Tambo International Airport led to an investigation by the Hawks.
- Their case has been postponed to 8 December 2025 for a formal bail application.
Broadcaster Nonkululeko Mantula and her four co-accused will spend the first week of December behind bars following their bail postponement at the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Mantula, Thulani Mazibuko (24), Xolani Ntuli (47), Siphamandla Tshabalala (23) and Sfiso Mabena (21) are facing charges of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
The group was arrested over the weekend as three of the accused were about to board a plane to Russia.
Their arrests stem from a tip-off from OR Tambo police officers regarding three males who were travelling to Russia via the United Arab Emirates.
They were removed from the boarding gate as suspicious and referred to the Hawks.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale says a preliminary investigation revealed that a South African female had been facilitating the travel and recruitment of these individuals into the Russian Federation military.
The fourth suspect was arrested upon returning from an overseas trip, and the fifth was apprehended on Saturday, 29 November 2025.
“Search and seizure warrants were obtained for the accused, who is believed to be involved in the facilitation of the four individuals, as well as another individual who had already left the country for Russia.
Upon the individual’s arrival at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) on 27 November 2025, the person was interviewed, during which further evidence was uncovered. This led to the arrest of three additional male suspects on 28 November 2025. Electronic gadgets and two backpacks were seized for further investigation,” said Mogale.
The case has been postponed to 08 December 2025 for a formal bail application.
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