SAfm host and co-accused released on bail in alleged Russian army recruitment scheme

Five people arrested at OR Tambo International Airport for allegedly recruiting South Africans to join the Russian military have been granted bail.

On Monday, SAfm presenter Nonkululeko Mantula was released on R30 000 bail.

Xolani Ntuli (46) was granted R15 000 bail, while Thulani Mazibuko (24), Siphamandla Chabalala (23) and Sifiso Mabena (21) were each granted R5 000 bail.

The group faces charges under legislation that bars South Africans from providing military assistance to foreign states. The State did not oppose their release on bail.

However, prosecutors objected to Mantula’s request for the return of her passport. Her lawyer argued that she needed to travel to Venezuela the following day and required her seized laptop for work. But prosecutor Pieter Erasmus told the court Mantula was believed to be the “main planner” behind the alleged recruitment network and had reportedly travelled to Russia several times in September.

He argued that returning her passport would make monitoring her movements extremely difficult.

Erasmus also noted that Mantula’s laptop was seized under the Cybercrimes Act and that investigators had not yet begun analysing the device, making its return impossible at this stage.

The court heard that Ntuli had a previous conviction for reckless and negligent driving dating back to 1993, when he was 15 years old. In an affidavit, he denied any involvement in the alleged scheme, saying he was arrested on 28 November while preparing to board a flight to Russia.

As part of her bail conditions, Mantula may not leave South Africa, may not be within 500 metres of any port of entry or exit, and must keep the investigating officer informed of her movements.

Mantula was arrested on 27 November upon her return from an international trip. Her three co-accused had been arrested earlier at the OR Tambo International airport after authorities received a tip-off that they were allegedly en route to Russia via the UAE. They were intercepted and handed over to the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit.

Investigators say early evidence suggests Mantula played a coordinating role in arranging travel and recruitment.

The case has been postponed to 10 February 2026 for further investigation.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe