A well-known South African radio presenter and four other people have been arrested. They are suspected of illegally recruiting citizens to fight for Russia in the war against Ukraine. The arrests are a major development in a case that has already involved the family of former President Jacob Zuma and led to a resignation from parliament.
The five suspects were stopped at Johannesburg's main airport. Authorities believe they were trying to travel to Russia. Among them is Nonkululeko Patricia Mantula, a broadcaster from the SABC's SAFM station. They are now charged under a South African law that makes it illegal to join or help a foreign army without government permission.
This situation began earlier when the government started investigating 17 South African men. Their families say these men were tricked into going to Russia. They were promised jobs as bodyguards for a political party but were instead forced to fight in Ukraine. Reports indicate that eight of these men are related to the Zuma family.
The case became a political scandal when a sister of former MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla made a formal police complaint. She accused her sister and two others of recruiting the men. Although not arrested, Zuma-Sambudla resigned from parliament last week, saying there was too much public attention on her. She strongly denies any involvement, saying she would never put her family or anyone else in danger.
Police say the recent arrests happened after airport officers reported three suspicious male travelers. Their investigation then pointed to a South African woman who was allegedly organizing the travel and recruitment. This appears to be Mantula. The five suspects will appear in court for a bail hearing on December 8th.
This scandal is a serious problem for South Africa. It shows how citizens might be targeted by international recruiters. It also tests the country's official neutral position in global conflicts and increases political tensions at home. Investigators are continuing to look for others involved, while the government must also work to bring home any citizens trapped in the war zone.
The court case will be important. It will decide the fate of the accused and also shed light on why and how South Africans are being recruited into foreign armies.