Five suspects, Nonkululeko Mantula (39), Thulani Mazibuko (24), Xolani Ntuli (47), Siphamandla Tshabalala (23) and Sfiso Mabena (21), have appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to the Contravention of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.

According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the arrests followed a tip-off from OR Tambo International Airport SAPS regarding three men who were en route to Russia via the United Arab Emirates.

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The men were removed from the boarding gate after raising suspicion and were handed over to the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that a South African woman had allegedly been facilitating the travel and recruitment of these individuals to join the Russian Federation Military.

“She was arrested on her return from an overseas trip, while the fifth suspect was apprehended on November 29.”

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Search and seizure warrants were executed for the accused, believed to have coordinated the travel of the four men as well as another individual who had already departed for Russia.

When that individual returned to OR Tambo International Airport on November 27, investigators questioned him and uncovered further evidence.

This information led to the arrest of an additional three male suspects on November 28.

Electronic devices and two backpacks were seized for further investigation.

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The case has been postponed to December 8 for a formal bail application. All five accused remain in custody.

“Coordination with intelligence partners and international law enforcement agencies is ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged recruitment network and any potential security threats.

“Investigations are continuing, and further arrests cannot be ruled out,” said Mogale.