Five Russian military recruitment suspects due in court

Five people arrested for allegedly luring South Africans to Russia to fight in the Ukraine war are expected to return to the Kempton Park Magistrate's court on Monday for bail proceedings.

The group was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport nearly two weeks ago, moments before they were due to board a flight to Moscow.

Two of the accused, SABC radio presenter Nonkululeko Mantula and 46-year-old Xolani Ntuli, are accused of recruiting three young men aged between 21 and 24 to join the russian forces.

The three men, Thulani Mazibuko, Siphamandla Tshabalala, and Sfiso Mabena, are also among the accused who will be in the dock when the matter resumes.

The five South Africans, accused of attempting to unlawfully participate in the Russia-Ukraine war, are charged with contravening the Foreign Military Assistance Act.

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They made their first appearance in court last week, but the matter was postponed for bail proceedings.

State prosecutor Pieter Erasmus says the NPA remains unsure whether to oppose the group's release on bail.

"There is a good possibility that the state will after certain preliminary investigations, will not object to the granting of bail."

Mantula is alleged to have played a central role in luring the three young men to Russia.