Five men accused of violating the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act briefly appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Their case was postponed to 8 December for a formal bail application.
The accused Nonkululeko Mantula, Thulani Mazibuko (24), Xolani Ntuli (46), Siphamandla Tshabalala (23) and Sifiso Mabena (21) were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after police alerted the Hawks to their suspicious travel plans.
Officers removed the group from a flight bound for Russia via the UAE. Investigators believe a South African woman played a key role in recruiting the men and facilitating their travel to allegedly join the Russian Federation’s military.
Authorities say they are working with local and international intelligence partners to uncover the full extent of the recruitment network and assess any related security risks.
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.