CaliToday (02/12/2025): A high-profile recruitment scandal has erupted in South Africa, linking a national radio personality and the family of a former president to the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war. Five suspects have appeared in court, accused of operating a sophisticated ring that allegedly tricked South Africans into fighting for the Russian military under the guise of security jobs.
The Airport Intercept
The operation unraveled late last week at OR Tambo International Airport. Acting on intelligence, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks (Priority Crime Investigation Directorate) intercepted three men attempting to board a flight to Russia via the United Arab Emirates.
According to police statements, the men were removed from the boarding gates, leading to a cascade of arrests:
Thursday: A female suspect was arrested upon her return to South Africa.
Friday & Saturday: Four additional suspects were detained at the airport.
"Preliminary investigations indicate that a South African female facilitated the travel and recruitment of these individuals into the Russian Federation army," a police spokesperson confirmed.
The Suspects: From Airwaves to Warfare
The five suspects appeared in a brief court hearing and have been remanded in custody until their bail hearing on December 8. They include:
Nonkululeko Mantula (39): A well-known presenter of Morning Bliss (3–5 am) on the national broadcaster’s SAfm station.
Xolani Ntuli (47)
Thulani Mazibuko (24)
Siphamandla Tshabalala (23)
Sfiso Mabena (21)
Mantula’s alleged involvement has shocked the nation. Her Instagram activity places her speaking at events in Moscow as recently as November 9. Furthermore, reports identify her as the co-chair of the BRICS Journalists Association (BJA).
The Wagner Connection: The BJA was placed on the European Union’s sanctions list in July. The EU identified it as a Russian NGO established by the late Yevgeny Prigozhin former head of the Wagner mercenary group specifically designed to spread pro-Russian disinformation and manipulate narratives under the cover of independent journalism.
The "Bodyguard" Deception
The core allegation is one of cruel deception. Victims were reportedly not recruited as soldiers, but were told they were being hired for lucrative security positions.
On November 22, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, filed a police affidavit alleging that 17 men—including eight of her own relatives—had been lured into the scheme. The victims were allegedly told they would receive training in Russia to become bodyguards for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, a political entity associated with the Zuma family.
Instead, these men reportedly find themselves stranded on the frontlines in eastern Ukraine. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office confirmed on November 6 that they are investigating the situation and working to repatriate the stranded citizens.
A Family Divided: The Zuma Sisters
The case has exposed a deep rift within the family of former President Jacob Zuma.
The Accuser: Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube alleges her sister, Duduzile, along with associates Siphokazi Xuma and Blessing Khoza, orchestrated the recruitment.
The Accused: Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla (43), who resigned as an MK Member of Parliament last week, claims she was also a victim. She states she was misled by Khoza into recruiting for what she believed was a legitimate course, following her own month-long training stint in Russia.
Legal Implications
South Africa maintains a non-aligned stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but its domestic laws are strict regarding mercenary activity. Under the Foreign Military Assistance Act, it is illegal for South African citizens to render foreign military assistance or fight in foreign wars without express government permission.
The Russian Embassy in South Africa has not yet responded to requests for comment.