Authorities have arrested a 10th person for violating South African mercenary laws by attempting to travel to Russia to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine
JOHANNESBURG -- A 10th person has been arrested on suspicion of violating South African mercenary laws by trying to travel to Russia from South Africa to fight in the war in Ukraine, authorities said Thursday.
Nine other people were arrested this week as part of a joint investigation between Interpol and South African police into recruitment drives for the war.
Five of the suspects appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on Tuesday, and prosecutors indicated that they would oppose their bail applications.
The other four were expected in court Thursday after they were arrested at a hotel in Johannesburg while preparing to board flights to Russia, according to police spokesperson Katlego Mogale.
The first nine suspects have been identified as Zimbabwean nationals. Prosecutors said Tuesday that five of them had provided Zimbabwean addresses when they were processed. They will face charges relating to violations of South Africa’s Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which prohibits mercenary activity and regulates military assistance to parties in foreign conflicts, including recruitment and training.
Several groups of South Africans have been repatriated after saying they were duped into fighting on the front lines in Ukraine.
