South African police have arrested four men at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on suspicion that they were on their way to join the Russian military. The men were stopped at the boarding gate on Friday as they prepared to travel to Russia via the United Arab Emirates.
The arrests come just weeks after reports that 17 other South African men were stranded in Ukraine, claiming they had been tricked into joining foreign mercenary forces with promises of high-paying contracts.
Illegal Under South African Law
Under South African law, citizens are prohibited from providing military assistance to foreign governments or joining foreign armed forces without official approval. Violating this law is a criminal offense.
The elite Hawks police unit said the arrests were made after a tip-off from airport authorities.
According to their statement, early investigations suggest that a South African woman may have been coordinating the recruitment and travel arrangements for the men, allegedly helping send them to join the Russian Federation’s military.
Suspects to Appear in Court
The four arrested men are expected to appear in court on Monday. They will face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which governs South Africans’ involvement in foreign conflicts.
Growing Concerns Over Recruitment Networks
The arrests have intensified concern over South Africans being lured into foreign conflicts, especially in Russia and Ukraine.
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently ordered a full investigation into how the 17 other South Africans ended up fighting in Ukraine and what recruitment networks may be involved.
Police have also said they will investigate Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, after her half-sister accused her of playing a role in recruiting men to fight abroad. Zuma-Sambudla resigned from parliament on Friday but has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Government Pledges Action
The South African government says it is working to bring home the stranded fighters in Ukraine and dismantle any recruitment schemes targeting vulnerable citizens.
Authorities warn that joining foreign armies — whether voluntarily or through deception — places South Africans at extreme risk and violates national law.
