Nine Zimbabweans in court in Gauteng are charged with trying to leave South Africa to join Russia’s war in Ukraine, South African prosecutors said.
The arrests, made on 8 November according to reports, are the latest in a wave of cases across southern Africa involving men allegedly recruited to fight for Russia.
What are the nine Zimbabweans accused of?
All nine face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act of 1998, which restricts offering military services abroad without government authorisation, IOL reported. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) alleges that they intended to leave South Africa to take part in the war. Its spokesperson, Magaboke Mohlatlole, said the accused are presumed innocent. They remain in custody.
Five were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport and appeared in the Kempton Park magistrates’ court. The other four were held at a hotel in Bruma and appeared in the Johannesburg magistrates’ court, according to Eyewitness News. Reports differ on the dates of the next hearings.
Who carried out the arrests?
The Hawks, South Africa’s elite police unit, worked with Interpol, police crime intelligence and international partners in an intelligence-led operation, according to The Citizen. Reports do not say where the men were heading or which unit they intended to join, and none of the outlets we found explained how they were recruited or who organised the travel.
How common are such cases in southern Africa?
Zimbabwe has made its own arrests. Between late March and early July, at least eight people were detained over alleged recruitment networks linking Zimbabwe, South Africa and Russia, according to reports by allAfrica and the Bulawayo-based investigative outlet CITE. Families of Zimbabweans who went to fight have appealed publicly for their return, Al Jazeera reported in May.
Governments in the region have raised concerns about foreign fighting more broadly; see DNE Africa’s report on foreign fighters in the Sudan war.
What happens next?
The cases return to court this week while police investigate. The accused have not entered pleas in the reports we reviewed, and prosecutors will have to show that the men intended to offer military assistance abroad without authorisation. We have not named the accused.
FAQ
Why were nine Zimbabweans arrested in South Africa?
Prosecutors allege they planned to leave South Africa to take part in the Russia-Ukraine war, which would breach the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
Where were they arrested?
Five at OR Tambo International Airport and four at a hotel in Bruma, Johannesburg, according to South African media.
Have they been convicted?
No. They face charges, remain in custody and are presumed innocent, the NPA said.
Has Zimbabwe made similar arrests?
Yes. Zimbabwean authorities arrested at least eight alleged recruiters between March and July, according to media reports.
