Four Zimbabweans secure lawyers in alleged Russia-Ukraine war case

Four of the nine Zimbabwean nationals arrested for allegedly attempting to leave South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war have secured legal representation.

The four, Bobo Chinhondo (43), Batsirai Shereni, Liberty Shereni (24) and Niobe Zhou (34), appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates' Court, where their case was postponed to November 23 for a formal bail application.

The other five accused, Weight Mudhanyane (23), Javangwe Munyaradzi (41), Wesley Sothole (24), Abel Muchenje (40) and Knowledge Ndunduma (46), appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court on November 10.

Their case was postponed to November 17 for a bail application.

All nine accused face charges of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998. The State intends opposing their release on bail.

The nine were arrested on November 8 following an intelligence-driven investigation into allegations that they were attempting to travel from South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war. According to Magaboke Mohlatlole, NPA Gauteng spokesperson, information gathered during the investigation prompted a multidisciplinary operation involving law-enforcement agencies. The operation resulted in the suspects being arrested as they were allegedly preparing to board flights out of South Africa. Mohlatlole said investigations were continuing and the possibility of further arrests had not been ruled out.

The NPA said it would continue working with law-enforcement agencies to ensure the matter was thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while respecting the constitutional rights of all accused persons.