Nine foreign nationals have been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma in connection with an alleged attempt to leave South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, were arrested on November 8 following an integrated multidisciplinary investigation involving local and international law enforcement agencies.

According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the operation involved INTERPOL, the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State and Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit based in Germiston, international law enforcement agencies, SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Modus Operandi Centre, the Gauteng Provincial Tracking Team and various security companies.

Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, the multidisciplinary team launched an operation that resulted in the arrests.

The suspects were allegedly preparing to board flights out of the country when they were apprehended.

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They are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court soon and face charges relating to the alleged contravention of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998.

Acting Gauteng Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela, commended the multidisciplinary team for its coordinated efforts and the successful operation.

The Hawks reiterated their commitment to working with local and international law enforcement agencies to combat crime and ensure compliance with South African law.