South Africa’s serious‑crime unit, the Hawks, says it remains uncertain whether former MP Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla is linked to the recent arrest of five people accused of recruiting South Africans to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine.
On Monday, five suspects appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg following their arrest at OR Tambo International Airport over the weekend — just as they were about to board a flight to Russia.
Among them is 39‑year‑old radio presenter Nonkululeko Mantula (associated with state broadcaster SAfm), along with 46‑year‑old Xolani Ntuli and three young men — aged 21 to 24 — identified as Thulani Mazibuko, Siphamandla Tshabalala, and Sifiso Mabena.
They face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, 15 of 1998 — a law that prohibits South Africans from joining foreign armed forces without government authorisation.
According to the Hawks, the arrests came after a tip‑off from airport police about three men attempting to fly to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. They were intercepted at the boarding gate and referred to the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State (CATS) division. A short while later, a fifth suspect — believed to be part of the facilitation network — was also detained.
During court proceedings on Monday, the accused appeared with heads bowed, seemingly avoiding camera flashes, in a courtroom packed tightly with spectators and media. They have been remanded in custody pending a bail hearing set for next week.
What about Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla’s alleged involvement?
The arrests come amid a separate but related probe into allegations that Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla — previously a member of parliament for the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party — lured up to 17 South African men to travel to Russia for supposed bodyguard training, only for them to end up fighting as mercenaries.
However, Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale made clear that the current case involving the five arrested suspects is a separate investigation. Nevertheless, investigators have not ruled out the possibility the aims and actors of the two cases could converge — stressing that more arrests and further intelligence work remain possible.
Investigators seized electronic devices and backpacks from the suspects to explore potential links, network contacts and coordination for recruitment. Intelligence agencies, including international partners, are now involved to determine the full extent of the alleged recruitment network and possible security threats.
Why this case matters
The alleged recruitment of South African citizens into Russia’s military raises serious legal and national-security concerns, particularly under existing laws like the Foreign Military Assistance Act, which forbid citizens from joining foreign armies without approval.
The involvement of a public broadcaster and a well‑known radio presenter — coupled with claims involving a former MP linked to a high‑profile political family — has sparked widespread alarm and media attention.
As the investigations unfold, South Africa faces increased pressure to trace and bring home any citizens already sent to fight, and to dismantle any recruitment networks operating within its borders.
What’s next
The five accused will return to court soon for their bail hearing. Meanwhile, the Hawks continue to investigate — and have warned that further arrests in other provinces remain possible. The question of whether this case will eventually merge with the one involving Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla remains open.
