Nine Zimbabweans arrested in South Africa over Russia-Ukraine war
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Zambian Observer
Nine Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested in South Africa, suspected of wanting to join the Russia-Ukraine war. They appeared before two Gauteng courts and remain detained, accused of violating South African law on foreign military assistance, according to National Prosecuting Authority spokeswoman Magaboke Mohlatlole.
Nine Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested in South Africa for allegedly attempting to join the Russia-Ukraine war, according to the authorities. Five were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport and four others at a hotel in Bruma, Johannesburg, according to police spokeswoman Chipo Kaitisha and the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa.
The nine men, aged between 23 and 46, appeared in two Gauteng courts on Monday 10 November. The five arrested at OR Tambo appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court, while the other four appeared in Johannesburg. The hearings were postponed to Tuesday and Thursday to allow them to find lawyers, and the nine suspects remain in custody.
They are being prosecuted for violating the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which prohibits people in South Africa from joining or assisting a foreign army or participating in a foreign war without official government authorisation. The arrests took place on Sunday during an operation based on intelligence gathered as part of an investigation, according to Chipo Kaitisha.
