Nine Zimbabweans arrested in South Africa over alleged plot to fight in Ukraine war

South African authorities, in collaboration with Interpol, have apprehended nine Zimbabwean citizens aged between 20 and 26. They were allegedly preparing to depart from Johannesburg to join the conflict in Ukraine. A specialized law enforcement unit intercepted five suspects at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday evening as they were about to board flights.

The remaining four were apprehended at a hotel in Johannesburg's Bruma district. All nine appeared in court on Monday, facing charges under South Africa's Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which prohibits mercenary activity and unauthorized foreign military service. The police have not disclosed the side the suspects intended to support or the network responsible for their travel arrangements.

However, the involvement of Interpol suggests the men are also suspected of breaching laws in their home country. Several African nations have attempted to prevent their citizens from enlisting in the conflict. In August, Ghana reported that 62 Ghanaians had been killed and 15 were missing following illegal enlistment in the war, leading to a joint Russia-recruitment ban commitment.

In March, Zimbabwe acknowledged that 15 citizens had perished and over 60 remained trapped on the frontlines after being recruited by Russia, while South Africa secured the release of 17 individuals in February who were allegedly coerced into joining the war in Ukraine.