Nine detained in South African war bid
Police seized a group of young foreign nationals in Johannesburg who were allegedly preparing to fly to Russia or Ukraine.
By Nadia Rahman ·
Police in South Africa detained nine foreign nationals on Sunday evening as they prepared to leave the country.
The group, comprising individuals aged between 20 and 26, was caught by a multidisciplinary team operating in and around Johannesburg. Authorities stated that the suspects were in the process of booking flights, though the specific destination was not immediately confirmed. The arrests occurred at OR Tambo International Airport, the nation's primary air hub, and at a hotel in Bruma, a suburb east of Johannesburg. Interpol, the international police organization, assisted in the operation.
The suspects face charges for violating South African statutes that prohibit mercenary work without official state approval. Police noted that collaboration with international law enforcement bodies suggests the individuals may have also broken laws in their home countries. Officials confirmed that none of the nine detainees are residents of South Africa, though they withheld the specific nationalities of the group. Authorities have not yet determined whether the men intended to fight for the Russian or Ukrainian side, nor have they identified the organizations that facilitated the travel.
This incident follows a pattern of recruitment efforts targeting African citizens for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Residents from nations including Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa have traveled to fight for Russia, with some claiming they were deceived about their destination. A Ukrainian intelligence report issued earlier in 2026 estimated that more than 1,700 people from 36 African countries had been recruited by Russia. Kenya previously calculated that 252 of its citizens were illegally conscripted in Russia. In March, Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi visited Moscow and announced an agreement to halt the recruitment of Kenyan nationals.
Ghana reported in February that 55 of its citizens had been killed in the conflict, with 272 believed to have been lured into fighting since the war started in 2022. South Africa secured the return of 17 of its citizens in February, who had allegedly been tricked into joining the war. In December 2025, South African authorities arrested five individuals, including a journalist, on allegations of recruiting fighters. Ukraine has also recruited foreign nationals from the African continent.
The nine suspects are scheduled to appear in court on either Monday or Tuesday.
