Nine foreigners caught allegedly trying to leave South Africa to fight in Ukraine
Summary
South African police arrested nine foreign nationals in and around Johannesburg on Sunday as they allegedly prepared to leave the country to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. Authorities say the group may have violated South African and other countries’ laws, but they have not disclosed the suspects’ nationalities, intended side, or alleged facilitators.Key Facts
- The nine suspects are aged 20 to 26 and do not reside in South Africa.
- Police arrested them at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma, east of Johannesburg.
- A multidisciplinary team, including Interpol, took part in the arrests.
- South African law prohibits mercenary activity without government permission.
- Authorities have not said whether the suspects intended to fight for Russia or Ukraine.
- The suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday or Tuesday.
- A Ukrainian intelligence assessment estimated that more than 1,700 people from 36 African countries had been recruited to fight for Russia.
- South Africa secured the return of 17 citizens allegedly tricked into joining the war, and authorities arrested five people last December over alleged recruitment.
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