Nine Zimbabweans have been arrested in South Africa after being apprehended allegedly attempting to leave the country to participate in the war between Russia and Ukraine, police stated.
The individuals, aged between 20 and 26, were detained in and around Johannesburg by a multidisciplinary task force on Sunday evening.
Authorities reported the group was caught preparing to board outbound flights, though their final destination remained unclear at the time of arrest.
The nine have been charged with violating South Africa’s Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which prohibits mercenary activity without official government authorization.
Police confirmed five suspects were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport—the country’s largest airport—while four others were detained at a hotel in Bruma, east of Johannesburg. The operation involved a multidisciplinary team including Interpol.
All nine appeared in court following the arrests, according to state prosecutors.
The police statement noted that the involvement of Interpol and other international law enforcement agencies suggests the suspects may have also violated laws in their respective home countries, prompting cross-border cooperation with South African authorities.
Officials have not specified whether the group intended to fight for Russia or Ukraine, nor have they provided details of organizations allegedly involved in facilitating their travel.
The case adds to a growing pattern of African nationals being recruited—or duped—into fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Earlier this year, a Ukrainian intelligence assessment estimated that over 1,700 people from 36 African countries had been recruited to fight for Russia.
Kenya has previously estimated that 252 of its citizens were illegally conscripted to fight in Russia; in March, Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi traveled to Moscow to address the issue, stating an agreement had been reached to halt the recruitment of Kenyan nationals.
Zimbabwean authorities reported in March that 15 of its nationals had been killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with more than 60 still believed to be trapped on the frontlines.
Last month, South Africa facilitated the return of 17 South Africans who were allegedly tricked into joining the conflict.
In December of last year, South African authorities arrested five individuals—including a journalist—on suspicion of recruiting people to join the war.
Ukraine has also been actively recruiting foreign nationals, including from Africa, to support its military efforts.
