Case of suspects accused of luring SAns to fight in Russa-Ukraine war postponed to 2026

The case of five suspects arrested on allegations of luring South Africans to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war has been postponed to February 2026.

The group has been released on bail of varying amounts by the Kempton Park Magistrates Court.

The alleged recruiters, Nonkululeko Mantula got out on R30,000, while Xolani Ntuli is out on R15,000.

The recruits, aged between 21 and 24, were set to join Russia forces in contravention of the Foreign Military Assistance Act.

They were granted R5,000 bail each.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mahanjane said this case does not yet seem to be linked to that of the 17 men who were allegedly manipulated to fight in the frontlines of Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.

“At this moment, we don’t have information that they might flee or evade their trial; hence, we did not oppose their bail application. However, we requested that the court applies conditions such as that the passport for accused number one, who we are alleging is the main recruiter must remain in the State.”