Nine Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested in South Africa for allegedly attempting to leave the country to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Police said the suspects, aged between 20 and 26, were arrested in Johannesburg on Sunday evening while preparing to board flights.
Five were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport, while four others were picked up at a hotel in Bruma.
They have been charged under South Africa’s Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which prohibits citizens and residents from providing military assistance to foreign governments or organisations without authorisation.
The suspects have appeared in court, although authorities have not disclosed their intended destination or which side they allegedly planned to join.
The arrests come amid growing concerns about the recruitment of Africans into the conflict.
Ukrainian intelligence estimated earlier this year that more than 1,700 people from 36 African countries had been recruited to fight for Russia. Some were reportedly deceived about the nature of the jobs they were offered.
