JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — A radio presenter with South Africa’s public broadcaster has appeared in court on charges linked to the alleged recruitment of men for the Russian military.
Nonkululeko Patricia Mantula, 39, host of The Morning Bliss on SABC’s SAFM, is among five people charged under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which prohibits South Africans from joining foreign armies without official permission.
Arrests and Court Appearance
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Mantula and four men, aged 21 to 46, were intercepted at Johannesburg’s main international airport while attempting to travel to Russia via the UAE. They were deemed suspicious and removed from the boarding gate.
Prosecutors allege Mantula facilitated the travel and recruitment of her co-accused into the Russian military. The group appeared briefly at the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on Monday and were remanded in custody. A bail hearing is scheduled for December 8.
Wider Context
The arrests are the first since the government revealed in November that 17 South Africans had been lured to join mercenary forces in Ukraine’s Donbas region. Authorities said they were working through diplomatic channels to bring them home.
Mantula’s arrest follows the resignation of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, who has been accused of duping the 17 men — including relatives — into fighting for Russia, an allegation she denies.
South Africa’s elite police unit, the Hawks, is investigating the case as a “crime against the state.”
Regional Concerns
Similar recruitment schemes have been reported elsewhere in Africa. In September, Kenyan police rescued more than 20 people from a trafficking ring linked to Russia. Ukraine has also faced criticism for attempting to enlist foreign nationals, including Africans, to fight in its war.