South African Radio Host Charged With Recruiting Mercenaries to Fight for Russia in Ukraine

A South African state radio presenter has been charged with recruiting men to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine, according to Associated Press on December 1.

Authorities say 39-year-old SAFM host Nonkululeko Mantula was arrested after investigators uncovered an alleged scheme to enlist South African men for frontline service in the Russian military.

Police reported that three of the men she allegedly recruited were detained at an airport while attempting to board a flight to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. Investigators believe a fourth recruit had already left the country and likely reached Russia.

South Africa bans its citizens from serving in foreign militaries without government authorization, making the alleged recruitment operation a criminal offense.

Read more

Category

Latest news

Foreign POWs in Ukraine Double in 2025, Exposing Russia’s Global Recruitment Push

Nov 26, 2025 11:23

Mantula’s arrest comes as South African authorities pursue a separate, high-profile investigation involving Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, the daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, who is accused of deceiving 17 men into traveling to Russia under the false promise of “security training” that would lead to jobs. She resigned from parliament after the allegations surfaced.

Officials say they have been issuing warnings to the public about social-media influencers and political figures promoting paid training or “opportunities” in Russia, urging citizens to avoid recruitment schemes linked to the war.

Earlier, Russian authorities began issuing military draft summonses to arriving citizens—particularly naturalized ones—at major airports across the country, prompting concerns about ethnic profiling and legal ambiguity.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW