By Johnathan Paoli
Nine foreign nationals have been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma, Johannesburg, for allegedly attempting to leave South Africa to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, were allegedly preparing to board flights out of the country when they were apprehended during a law enforcement operation on Sunday night.
According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the nine suspects are expected to face charges relating to the alleged contravention of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998.
“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 the various security companies,” the Hawks said in a statement on Monday.
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“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. The suspects were allegedly preparing to board flights out of the country when they were apprehended.
The Hawks did not disclose the nationalities of the nine suspects, the countries they were allegedly intending to travel to, or whether investigators had established if they had been recruited to participate in the conflict.
The arrests come against the backdrop of continued international concern over foreign nationals being recruited or drawn into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has been ongoing since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
South Africa’s legislation governing foreign military assistance places restrictions on participation in certain foreign military activities, including the recruitment of personnel for military purposes.
The Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which was enacted in 1998, provides a framework for regulating foreign military assistance and prohibits mercenary activity and the provision of certain forms of military assistance without the necessary authorisation.
The legislation also applies to foreign nationals who contravene its provisions within South Africa.
Acting Gauteng Hawks provincial head Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela commended the multidisciplinary team involved in the operation for its coordinated efforts.
“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.”
The suspects are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court soon.
