South African Radio Presenter Arrested for Alleged Recruitment for Russia

A South African radio presenter, Nonkululeko Mantula, has been arrested on charges of allegedly recruiting individuals to fight for Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Mantula, aged 39, appeared in court on March 4, 2024, after being taken into custody alongside four men. According to the South African Police, this operation followed a tip-off that led to the arrests.

Police reports indicate that Mantula is accused of organizing the recruitment of these men and facilitating their plans to join the Russian army. Three of the suspects were apprehended while attempting to board a flight to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. Authorities suspect that another individual has already traveled to Russia after being recruited by Mantula. Under South African law, it is illegal to engage in military service for a foreign country without government permission.

Five suspects were ordered to remain in custody until their bail hearing, which is scheduled for next week. The case has drawn public attention, particularly as it coincides with another investigation involving Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma. Zuma-Sambudla is under scrutiny for allegedly deceiving 17 men into fighting as mercenaries for Russia in Ukraine.

Details surrounding the allegations against Zuma-Sambudla suggest that she misled these men into believing they would receive security training that could help them secure employment. The South African government revealed that it had received distress calls from these individuals, who reportedly found themselves forced into combat with a Russian mercenary group in eastern Ukraine. Authorities are collaborating with international law enforcement to repatriate these South Africans.

Additional reports indicate that when the men arrived in Russia, their passports and clothing were allegedly destroyed, and their mobile phones were confiscated. The South African government has launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the men’s recruitment and presence on the frontlines of the conflict.

There have been broader concerns regarding Russia’s recruitment tactics, which reportedly involve enticing men from various countries with job offers. Reports also suggest that women from South Africa and other African nations have been lured into working in Russian drone factories under the guise of job opportunities in hospitality and catering.

As the situation unfolds, the South African government has cautioned citizens to be vigilant regarding job offers promoted by local social media influencers that promise opportunities in Russia. Zuma-Sambudla has previously faced criticism for her pro-Russia sentiments related to the conflict, with a 2023 report by the international non-profit Centre for Information Resilience highlighting her social media activity in support of Russian interests shortly after its invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.

The arrest of Mantula and its connection to broader recruitment issues raises significant questions about the involvement of South Africans in international conflicts and the tactics used to draw them into such situations.