South Africa detains nine foreigners suspected of trying to join Russia’s war against Ukraine

On November 9, South African authorities apprehended nine foreign nationals suspected of attempting to join Russia's military conflict in Ukraine. The detentions occurred in response to growing concerns over the recruitment of Africans, Asians, and South Americans by Russia to fight against Ukraine. Reports indicate that Russia employs various tactics to attract foreign recruits, such as offering financial incentives, misleading them about contract terms, or pressuring them into signing under duress.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed concern, stating that signing a contract in Russia effectively equates to signing a death sentence. The men were preparing to board flights to Russia when they were apprehended. Interpol and local law enforcement agencies collaborated in the investigation leading to their arrest.

The suspects were preparing to leave South Africa's OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma. All nine were identified as Zimbabwean nationals, aged between 23 and 46. Their intended destination in Russia remains undisclosed. South Africa's Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act prohibits mercenary activities and oversees military assistance to foreign conflicts, including the recruitment and training of fighters.

The nine appeared in two Gauteng courts on November 9, charged with violating the act. Cases were adjourned to November 10 and 12 to allow for the appointment of legal representation, with all nine remaining in custody. Russian authorities have recruited over 27,000 foreign nationals from more than 130 countries since February 2022, with the number of recruits increasing by over 30% between September 2025 and February 2026.

Ukrainian intelligence estimates that Russian troops are employing African nationals as human shields, as revealed by an intercepted audio recording.