Johannesburg police seize nine men bound for Russian front lines
Authorities in South Africa detained nine young men at OR Tambo Airport and a nearby hotel, citing violations of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
By Marco Alvarez ·
Residents near OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg witnessed a late Sunday night operation when law enforcement officers secured custody of nine foreign nationals. The detainees were taken from the terminal and a hotel located close to the airfield. All nine men, aged between 20 and 26, were in the process of arranging flights to Russia. Police described the intervention as a coordinated effort involving local agencies and Interpol.
Officials have not released the specific nationalities of the suspects or their detailed plans for arrival in Russia. The group faces charges under South Africa’s Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act. This legislation governs military aid in foreign conflicts and prohibits mercenary activities, such as the recruitment and training of forces, by foreign nationals within the country's borders. A specific date for their court appearances has not been announced.
The detentions occur as African, Asian, and South American citizens increasingly report being recruited for Russia’s war against Ukraine. The conflict has lasted four and a half years. Many recruits reportedly accept offers of well-paid civilian work only to find themselves assigned to combat roles upon arrival in Russia.
Amnesty International issued a report last September accusing Russia of practices amounting to human trafficking. The organization stated that victims from South Africa, Brazil, Colombia, and Sri Lanka were deceived into traveling for non-combat jobs. Once in Russia, many were forced to join the army and fight on the front lines.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha addressed the issue in February of this year. He stated that more than 1,700 individuals from 36 African nations are known to be fighting for Russia. Sybiha urged African governments to warn their citizens about the conflict and criticized Russia for dragging African citizens into a deadly war.
South Africa has previously acted to repatriate citizens affected by the conflict. Earlier this year, the government announced the return of 11 men who had been lured into fighting for Russia. The war has also claimed the lives of several other African nationals, including citizens from Kenya and Cameroon. Police view the current arrests as part of a wider effort to intercept these individuals before they leave the country.
