9 Foreigners Trying to Flee South Africa to Fight in Russian-Ukrainian War Arrested At SA Airport

South African authorities have moved swiftly to intercept a group of foreign nationals who were allegedly preparing to leave the country and take part in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, better known as the Hawks, confirmed that nine suspects were taken into custody at OR Tambo International Airport and at a hotel in the Bruma area of Johannesburg. The arrests took place on the night of 8 November following an intelligence-driven operation that brought together several local and international agencies.

The suspects, all between the ages of 20 and 26, were reportedly in the process of boarding flights out of South Africa when officers intervened. According to Hawks national spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the multidisciplinary team acted on information gathered during an integrated investigation. The operation involved INTERPOL, the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit, the Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit based in Germiston, SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Modus Operandi Centre, the Gauteng Provincial Tracking Team, various security companies, and other international law-enforcement partners.

The nine individuals are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court to face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998. This legislation restricts unauthorised military assistance and participation in foreign conflicts. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the nationalities of the suspects or which side of the conflict they allegedly intended to join. The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela, praised the coordinated effort that led to the successful intervention and the prevention of the alleged travel.

The arrests highlight continued vigilance by South African law-enforcement agencies regarding attempts to use the country’s airports and territory as a transit point for individuals seeking involvement in overseas hostilities. Previous cases have also involved South African citizens who were reportedly recruited under various pretexts. In this instance, the focus remained on foreign nationals who were already inside the country and preparing to depart. Officials have stressed that any person, regardless of nationality, who contravenes the relevant Act while in South Africa can face prosecution.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further details about the suspects’ movements and any possible recruitment networks may emerge as the matter proceeds through the courts. For now, the nine individuals remain in custody pending their first appearance before a magistrate. The operation demonstrates the capacity of South African agencies, working with international partners, to detect and disrupt alleged attempts to join foreign wars before the individuals leave the country.

https://x.com/eNCA/status/2119725904653910368

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