South African police and Interpol arrest nine Zimbabweans aged 20 to 26 at OR Tambo Airport and in Johannesburg under anti-mercenary laws.

Published 9 Nov 2026, 21:04 GMT

2 min read

A man in military-style gear seated at a South African airport — South African airport (file photo)

Listen to this article

Playback position

0:001:39

Playback speed

South African police and Interpol have arrested nine Zimbabwean nationals aged between 20 and 26 who were allegedly preparing to fly out of Johannesburg to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.

A multidisciplinary law enforcement team stopped five suspects at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday evening before they boarded flights abroad, SABC News reported. The other four were detained at a hotel in Johannesburg's eastern suburb of Bruma.

Police did not disclose which side the suspects allegedly intended to join or name the network facilitating their travel, but said Interpol's involvement indicated the men were also suspected of violating laws in their home country.

In March, Harare said 15 Zimbabweans had died and more than 60 remained trapped on the frontlines after being recruited to fight for Russia, while Pretoria secured the return of 17 South Africans in February who were allegedly duped into joining the war in Ukraine.

Araba IncoomAraba Incoom writes on multiple topics with a vast knowledge across different sector. You can almost call me an AI, after all, my initials are Araba Incoom.

Nine Zimbabweans arrested in South Africa over alleged plot to fight in Ukraine war

Suggested for you

More Stories

INEC removes 1.6 million names from voters&#8217; register, fingers 54 officials

Nvidia shares tumble over investigation into Huang&#8217;s affair with alleged Chinese spy

Poland: Tusk and Nawrocki honour six victims of Kraków shooting

Courts to reopen Tuesday as judicial staff unions end strike

Enugu governor appoints another Nollywood star as gubernatorial aide

Governor Idris pardons, reinstate suspended Commissioner in Kebbi

Discussion

INEC removes 1.6 million names from voters’ register, fingers 54 officials

Nvidia shares tumble over investigation into Huang’s affair with alleged Chinese spy