Nine arrested at OR Tambo while allegedly preparing to join Russia-Ukraine war

Ask AI 1minThe suspects were arrested while attempting to board a flight at the OR Tambo International Airport.

Nine foreign nationals are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court soon after their arrest at the OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma on Sunday in connection with an alleged attempt to travel from South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war. 

The national spokesperson for the Hawks, Colonel Katlego Mogale, said the arrests follow an integrated multidisciplinary investigation involving INTERPOL, the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State and Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Germiston, international law enforcement agencies, SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Modus Operandi Centre, the Gauteng Provincial Tracking Team and various security companies. 

“Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, the multidisciplinary team operationalised an intervention that resulted in the arrest of the nine suspects, aged between 20 and 26, last night (Sunday). The suspects were allegedly preparing to board flights out of the country when they were apprehended,” Mogale said. 

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

The head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela, commended the multidisciplinary team for its co-ordinated efforts and successful operation.

“The Hawks reiterate their commitment to working with local and international law enforcement agencies to combat crime and ensure compliance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa,” Sekgobela said.