South Africa Arrests 9 Zimbabweans Headed for Russia-Ukraine War

Nine Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested in South Africa on suspicion of attempting to travel abroad to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, were arrested in Johannesburg. Five were detained at OR Tambo International Airport and four at a hotel in Bruma.

They face charges under South Africa’s Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which prohibits unauthorised mercenary activities. Authorities have not disclosed whether the group intended to fight for Russia or Ukraine, or which organisations allegedly facilitated their recruitment.

The arrests come amid growing concern over the recruitment of African nationals into the conflict. Zimbabwe previously reported that several of its citizens had been killed after being recruited to fight for Russia. South Africa has also helped repatriate citizens allegedly tricked into joining the war.

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Four men appeared before a Harare court facing allegations of trafficking Zimbabweans to Russia, where victims were reportedly coerced into fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war. The accused allegedly conspired with a Russian national to recruit five individuals under the pretext of firefighting jobs.

Recruited via social media platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp, the victims traveled to Russia only to

At least 15 Zimbabweans have died in the Russia-Ukraine war after being duped into joining foreign military forces through suspected human trafficking syndicates.

Information Minister Soda Zhemu said employment agencies linked to criminal networks are luring Zimbabweans with promises of lucrative salaries before facilitating their

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