Nine foreigners caught allegedly trying to leave South Africa to fight in Ukraine

Nine foreigners have been arrested in South Africa on suspicion of attempting to leave the country to fight in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to police. The group, ranging in age from 20 to 26, were apprehended in and around Johannesburg by a multidisciplinary team on Sunday evening as they were preparing to board flights.

However, the precise destination of the suspects remains unknown. They are accused of breaching South Africa's laws, which prohibit mercenary activity without government approval. The arrests occurred at the country's largest airport, OR Tambo, and a hotel in Bruma, located east of Johannesburg. The involvement of Interpol and other international law enforcement agencies in the operation suggests that the suspects may have also violated laws in their home countries, leading to cooperation with South African authorities.

Authorities did not disclose the nationalities of the suspects, emphasizing that none of them resided in South Africa. The identities of the organisations allegedly aiding their travel remain undisclosed. It is worth noting that citizens from various African nations, including Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, have previously journeyed to fight for Russia in Ukraine, some of whom were misled and unaware of their intended destination.

According to a Ukrainian intelligence assessment, over 1,700 individuals from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia.