Hundreds of African citizens have been recruited to join the Russia-Ukraine war in recent years (file photo)
South African security agencies have detained nine foreign nationals suspected of attempting to travel abroad to participate in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, were apprehended on Sunday night during a coordinated operation around Johannesburg, according to the police.
Investigators disclosed that the individuals were intercepted while preparing to board international flights, although their intended destination remains unknown.
The arrests took place at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma, with Interpol and other specialised law enforcement units participating in the exercise.
Authorities accuse the detainees of breaching national legislation prohibiting individuals from engaging in mercenary activities without official authorisation.
Police further indicated that international security agencies were involved because the suspects may have violated regulations in their countries of origin. However, officials have withheld their identities and nationalities, confirming only that none is a South African resident.
It remains uncertain whether the group intended to join Russian or Ukrainian forces. Investigators have also not identified the networks allegedly responsible for arranging their departure.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over the recruitment of Africans into the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Citizens from Ghana, Kenya and South Africa are among those reported to have travelled to the battlefield, with some allegedly deceived about the true nature of their recruitment.
A Ukrainian intelligence report published earlier this year estimated that more than 1,700 individuals from 36 African nations had been enlisted to fight alongside Russian forces.
Kenya previously disclosed that 252 of its nationals had been unlawfully recruited in Russia. Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi subsequently travelled to Moscow in March, where discussions reportedly produced an understanding to halt the enlistment of Kenyan citizens.
Ghana, meanwhile, revealed in February that 55 nationals had lost their lives in the fighting, while approximately 272 others were believed to have been recruited since hostilities began in 2022.
South Africa also facilitated the repatriation of 17 citizens allegedly deceived into participating in the conflict.
In December last year, five individuals, including a media practitioner, were arrested over suspected involvement in recruiting people for the battlefield.
Although much attention has focused on Russian recruitment activities, Ukraine has equally enlisted overseas fighters, including Africans.
The nine suspects are expected to be brought before a court on Monday or Tuesday to face the next stage of legal proceedings.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong