In a significant development highlighting foreign military recruitment activities in South Africa, prominent radio presenter Nonkululeko Patricia Mantula has been formally charged alongside four male accomplices for allegedly facilitating recruitment for the Russian military. The 39-year-old host of SABC’s SAFM station “The Morning Bliss” appeared at Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court near Johannesburg on Monday alongside co-accused aged 21-46.
The case represents the first criminal charges under South Africa’s Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act since November, when the government revealed 17 citizens had been “seemingly lured” into mercenary forces in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the defendants were intercepted at Johannesburg’s main international airport while attempting to travel to Russia via the United Arab Emirates, removed from their boarding gate after being deemed suspicious.
Prosecutors allege Mantula specifically facilitated travel arrangements and recruitment activities targeting her co-accused for enlistment in Russian Federation military forces. The arrests followed a tip-off from airport police, though authorities emphasize they are not currently linking this case to the previously identified 17 mercenaries.
The development occurs against the backdrop of heightened political tensions following last Friday’s dramatic resignation from parliament of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma. She faces allegations of deceiving 17 South African men—including several relatives—into fighting for Russia, accusations she vehemently denies. Her half-sister Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube filed a police complaint stating eight family members had been “handed to a Russian mercenary group without their knowledge or consent.”
South Africa’s alarming 30% unemployment rate, particularly affecting youth, creates vulnerable conditions for such recruitment schemes. The government has condemned “the exploitation of young vulnerable people by individuals working with foreign military entities” and is pursuing diplomatic channels to repatriate citizens trapped in Ukraine’s Donbas region.
This case reflects broader patterns across Africa, where Kenya recently rescued over 20 people from a suspected trafficking ring offering Russian jobs that actually led to combat roles in Ukraine. Ukraine itself has faced international criticism for recruiting foreign nationals, including Africans, with both Senegal and Nigeria previously protesting such activities.
The five accused remain in custody pending their next court appearance on December 8 for bail proceedings. The NPA has emphasized its commitment to “holding accountable those who violate the country’s laws” through collaboration with law-enforcement partners to protect national security integrity.