Nine Zimbabwean men were arrested in South Africa on Sunday over an alleged attempt to leave the country to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war, and they appeared in court on Monday. The case was reported by allAfrica, which republished a New Zimbabwe report, and by BBC World.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), as quoted by allAfrica, the arrests were made on November 8, 2026, after an intelligence-driven investigation by a multidisciplinary team. The nine appeared in two separate Gauteng magistrates’ courts.
Five of the accused were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport and appeared at the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court. Their case was postponed to November 10 so they can secure legal representation, according to allAfrica.
Four others were arrested at a hotel in Bruma and appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court. They are expected back in court on November 12, also to obtain legal representation, according to allAfrica.
BBC World reported that all nine face charges under South Africa’s Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which outlaws mercenary activity without government permission. Police told the BBC that the men were caught as they were preparing to board flights out of the country, and that Interpol and other international agencies were involved.
The sources give conflicting ages for the accused. BBC World says the group was aged between 20 and 26. allAfrica lists the accused as aged 23, 24, 24, 37, 40, 41, 43, 44 and 46, a range that falls outside the BBC’s figures.
The case comes amid wider reporting on recruitment of Africans to fight in the war. BBC World, citing a Ukrainian intelligence assessment, said earlier this year that more than 1,700 people from 36 African countries had been recruited to fight for Russia. The same outlet reported that in March Zimbabwe said 15 of its nationals had been killed after being recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, with more than 60 still trapped on the frontlines. BBC World also reported that South Africa secured the return of 17 South Africans allegedly tricked into joining the war the previous month, and that in December last year it arrested five people, including a journalist, for allegedly recruiting people.
Several key questions remain open. The sources do not say where the men were allegedly headed or whether they intended to fight for Russia or Ukraine, and police have not said. No details were given about any organisations or recruiters allegedly involved. The sources also contain no response from the accused, their lawyers or Zimbabwean authorities, and do not say how the Interpol involvement or any alleged violations in the men’s home countries will be pursued.
The five accused at Kempton Park return to court on November 10, and the four at Johannesburg on November 12.
Sources
This article was written with AI assistance from the published reporting listed above. It is part of the World Brief daily news podcast.