The Hawks' Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has announced the arrest of five individuals in Gauteng suspected of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act. The accused, identified as Nonkululeko Mantula (39), Thulani Mazibuko (24), Xolani Ntuli (47), Siphamandla Tshabalala (23), and Sfiso Mabena (21), appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on charges related to the offence on Monday, 1 December 2025.
According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the arrests followed a tip-off from the OR Tambo SAPS concerning three males attempting to travel to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. The individuals were identified at the boarding gate and subsequently detained by Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit. An initial investigation revealed that a South African woman was facilitating the travel and recruitment of these individuals into the Russian Federation Military.
Further investigations uncovered that a fourth suspect was apprehended upon her return from an international trip, while the fifth was arrested on Saturday, 29 November 2025. Search and seizure warrants were executed on the suspects believed to be involved in facilitating the travel of four individuals, with another suspect having already left the country for Russia.
On 27 November 2025, an individual arriving at OR Tambo International Airport was interviewed, revealing additional evidence that led to the arrest of three more male suspects on 28 November 2025. Electronic devices and two backpacks were seized during the operations for further forensic analysis.
The case has been postponed to 8 December 2025 for formal bail applications, with the five accused remanded in custody. Colonel Mogale confirmed that the Hawks are working closely with intelligence agencies and international law enforcement partners to uncover the full extent of the network and assess any potential security threats stemming from the investigation.
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