Nine Zimbabwean nationals have appeared in two separate Gauteng courts following their arrest in connection with an alleged attempt to travel from South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Five of the accused, Weight Mudhanyane (23), Javangwe Munyaradzi (41), Wesley Sothole (24), Abel Muchenje (40) and Knowledge Ndunduma (46), appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court following their arrest at OR Tambo International Airport.

The remaining four accused, Bobo Chinhondo (43), Batsirai Shereni (24), Liberty Shereni (44) and Niobe Zhou (37), appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court after being arrested at a hotel in Bruma.

All nine face charges of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998.

Also read: Alleged attempt to join Russia-Ukraine war leads to nine arrests

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the arrests were made on November 8 following an intelligence-driven investigation.

“Information gathered during the investigation led to a multidisciplinary team operation, which resulted in the arrests. It is alleged that the accused intended to leave South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war,” said NPA communications officer Magaboke Mohlatlole.

The five accused who appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court had their matter postponed to November 10 to allow them to secure legal representation.

The four accused who appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court had their matter postponed to November 12 for the same reason.

All nine accused remain in custody.

Mohlatlole reiterated the authority’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that alleged contraventions of South African law are prosecuted without fear, favour or prejudice.

The accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.