UPDATE: A South African radio presenter, Nonkululeko Mantula, has been arrested on October 23, 2023, accused of recruiting men to fight for Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Mantula, aged 39, appeared in court alongside four men, following a police investigation triggered by a tip-off.
Authorities confirmed that three of the suspects were apprehended while attempting to board a flight to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. Police believe that another individual had already traveled to Russia after being recruited by Mantula. This alarming development highlights the serious legal implications, as it is illegal in South Africa to join a foreign military without government approval.
The suspects were ordered to remain in custody until a bail hearing scheduled for next week. The arrest of Mantula, a presenter on SAFM, comes amid a separate investigation into Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma. Zuma-Sambudla is accused of tricking another 17 men into fighting as mercenaries for Russia. She resigned from her position as a lawmaker last week over the allegations.
The South African government revealed that it had received distress calls from the 17 South Africans, who reported being forced to fight for a Russian mercenary group in eastern Ukraine and are now trapped. Reports indicate that upon arrival in Russia, these men had their passports and clothing burned, and their cell phones confiscated.
Officials are launching a comprehensive investigation into how these individuals ended up on the frontlines of the war and are collaborating with international law enforcement to ensure their repatriation. The South African government has issued warnings about social media influencers promoting job offers in Russia, emphasizing the risks of such schemes.
Concerns are mounting over the recruitment of foreign nationals by Russia under false pretenses, including promises of employment in various sectors. The South African government has urged citizens to exercise caution regarding these deceptive campaigns.
As the situation develops, attention remains focused on the legal ramifications for Mantula and the ongoing efforts to assist the trapped South African men. Stay tuned for further updates as authorities continue their investigations into this troubling case.
