South African radio presenter Nonkululeko Mantula was arrested on December 1, 2025, for allegedly recruiting individuals to fight for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Mantula, 39, who works for SAFM, was detained along with four men, aged 21 to 47, accused of attempting to join the Russian military.
The arrests took place at OR Tambo International Airport, where three men were caught trying to board a flight to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. A fourth individual was arrested upon returning from abroad, and a fifth is thought to have already reached Russia after being recruited by Mantula. South African law forbids citizens from participating in foreign armed conflicts without governmental approval. All five suspects are currently in custody, awaiting a formal bail application.
This incident is part of a wider investigation into the recruitment of South Africans to join Russian forces. Authorities are collaborating with international law enforcement to assess the magnitude of the recruitment network and identify any associated security risks. The South African government has also issued alerts about misleading social media campaigns promoting false job offers in Russia, urging citizens to be vigilant.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of Mantula’s activities and the recruitment network. This case has raised significant concerns regarding the involvement of South African nationals in foreign conflicts and the potential implications for national security. As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the need for caution and awareness among citizens in the face of international conflicts and questionable recruitment practices.
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