South Africa detains foreigners suspected of heading to join Russian forces

What the report says

South African police said they arrested nine foreign nationals late Sunday at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg and at a nearby hotel on suspicion that they were trying to travel to Russia to join its war against Ukraine. Officials said the suspects, who were reported to be between 20 and 26 years old, were stopped while preparing to board flights. The case involved Interpol and local law enforcement, according to police.

The authorities did not identify the suspects’ nationalities or say what roles they may have expected to take in Russia. Police said they are expected to face court proceedings under South Africa’s Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which restricts mercenary activity and regulates military support for foreign conflicts. The law also covers foreign nationals in South Africa.

Al Jazeera reported that the arrests come amid wider concern that people from Africa and other regions are being recruited or deceived into joining Russia’s war in Ukraine. The article cited past allegations by rights groups and government officials that some foreigners were promised civilian work before ending up on the battlefield. It also noted that South Africa said earlier this year it had helped bring home 11 men who had been lured into fighting for Russia.