Group of foreigners detained in South Africa; suspected of heading to war against Ukraine

Nine foreign nationals have been detained in South Africa on suspicion of attempting to leave the country to participate in combat operations. They are suspected of violating South African laws prohibiting mercenary activities.

According to the BBC, the suspects are foreign nationals aged between 20 and 26.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm93z3lp5lnpo

They were apprehended on November 8 at OR Tambo International Airport and at a hotel in the Bruma area near Johannesburg. Reports indicate that they were preparing for departure at the time. Law enforcement authorities have not disclosed their intended final destination.

The detainees are accused of violating South African legislation that bans mercenary activity without government authorization. Interpol and other international agencies have been involved in the case, as the individuals may have also broken laws in their home countries.

While authorities have not specified the nationalities of those detained, they confirmed that none of them were residents of South Africa. Law enforcement is currently investigating which side the individuals intended to fight for and who organized the trip.

A court is expected to determine pre-trial detention measures for the nine suspects in the near future.

Previously, citizens recruited from several African nations have ended up on the front lines in Ukraine, fighting on the Russian side. According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia has lured over 1,700 individuals from 36 African countries into the conflict. In particular, Kenyan authorities reported the recruitment of 252 of their citizens. During a visit to Moscow, Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi addressed the issue, calling for an end to such actions by Russia.

Ghana also reported the deaths of 55 of its nationals and the deception of hundreds of others. Meanwhile, South Africa previously secured the return of 17 of its citizens and arrested a group of individuals on suspicion of recruitment.

Source: https://24tv.ua/naymantsi-armiyi-rosiyi-par-zatrimali-9-inozemtsiv-yaki-yihali_n3176966