Nine arrested over alleged attempt to join Russia-Ukraine war

Nine foreign nationals have been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma over an alleged attempt to leave South Africa to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, were arrested on Sunday night during a multidisciplinary operation involving the Hawks, Interpol and other local and international law enforcement agencies.

According to the Hawks, the suspects were allegedly preparing to board flights out of South Africa when the team moved in and arrested them.

The operation followed an intelligence-driven investigation involving the Hawks' Crimes Against the State and Serious Organised Crime Investigation units in Germiston, SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Modus Operandi Centre, the Gauteng Provincial Tracking Team and private security companies.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court soon.

They are expected to face charges relating to the alleged contravention of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998.

The legislation regulates South Africans' involvement in foreign military assistance and activities involving armed forces outside the country.

Acting Gauteng Hawks provincial head Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela commended the multidisciplinary team for its coordinated operation.

The Hawks said they remained committed to working with local and international law enforcement agencies to combat crime and ensure compliance with South African law.