Nine Zimbabwean nationals arrested over an alleged attempt to travel from South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war are expected back in court this week as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding their alleged involvement in the conflict.
The suspects appeared in two separate Gauteng magistrates’ courts following their arrest during an intelligence-driven operation on Sunday, November 8.
Five of the accused, identified as Weight Mudhanyane, 23, Javangwe Munyaradzi, 41, Wesley Sothole, 24, Abel Muchenje, 40, and Knowledge Ndunduma, 46, appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court.
They were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport, allegedly while attempting to leave South Africa.
The five are expected to return to the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, November 10, after their case was postponed to allow them to secure legal representation.
The other four accused, Bobo Chinhondo, 43, Batsirai Shereni, 24, Liberty Shereni, 44, and Niobe Zhou, 37, appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court.
They were arrested at a hotel in Bruma, Johannesburg, during the same operation.
Their matter was postponed to Thursday, November 12, to allow them to obtain legal representation.
All nine accused remain in custody.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the suspects face charges of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998.
The legislation regulates the provision of foreign military assistance and prohibits South African citizens and other persons falling within its scope from providing such assistance without the necessary authorisation.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led investigation into allegations that the group intended to leave South Africa to participate in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Acting on information gathered during the investigation, a multidisciplinary team conducted an operation which resulted in the arrests at the airport and the Bruma hotel.
The NPA has not disclosed further details about the alleged arrangements, including who was recruiting the suspects, how they were allegedly expected to travel or what role they were intended to perform in the conflict.
The arrests raise questions about the alleged recruitment of foreign nationals through South Africa for participation in the Russia-Ukraine war, which has drawn fighters and military personnel from different parts of the world.
South African authorities have previously expressed concern about citizens becoming involved in foreign military conflicts without the required authorisation.
The Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act was introduced to regulate South Africans’ involvement in military activities abroad and prevent the country from being used as a base for unauthorised military operations.
NPA communications officer for the Gauteng Division in Johannesburg, Magaboke Mohlatlole, said the authority remained committed to ensuring that alleged violations of South African law were prosecuted.
“The NPA reiterates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that alleged contraventions of South African law are prosecuted without fear, favour or prejudice,” the authority said.
The nine accused have not yet pleaded to the charges.
