Nine Zimbabweans have appeared in two courts in Gauteng, South Africa, after being arrested over an alleged attempt to leave the country to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Five of the accused were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa's biggest airport, and four others at a hotel in Bruma, east of Johannesburg, during an intelligence-driven operation on Sunday evening, 8 November 2026. A multidisciplinary team that included Interpol carried out the arrests.

Charges under foreign military assistance law

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said all nine face charges of contravening South Africa's Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which outlaws mercenary activity without government permission.

Five of the accused appeared before the Kempton Park magistrate's court, while the other four appeared before the Johannesburg magistrate's court on Monday, 9 November. The Kempton Park matter was postponed until Tuesday and the Johannesburg matter until Thursday so the accused can secure legal representation. All nine remain in custody.

Police initially gave the group's ages as between 20 and 26 and did not disclose their nationalities. Court reporting later identified the nine as Zimbabweans and listed their names and ages, which ranged from 23 to 46. The five arrested at the airport were named as Weight Mudhanyane, 23, Javangwe Munyaradzi, 41, Wesley Sothole, 24, Abel Muchenje, 40, and Knowledge Ndunduma, 46. The four arrested at the hotel were named as Bobo Chinhondo, 43, Batsirai Sheren, 24, Liberty Shereni, 44, and Niobe Zhou, 37.

Destination and side not disclosed

Authorities have not said whether the group allegedly intended to fight for Russia or Ukraine, and have not provided details of the organisations allegedly involved in facilitating their travel. Police said the group was caught as its members were preparing to board flights out of the country, but their final destination is unclear.

According to police, the involvement of Interpol and other international law enforcement agencies indicated that the suspects may also have breached laws in their home countries. None of the nine is reported to be resident in South Africa.

Wider concern over African recruits

The arrests come amid growing evidence of African nationals being drawn into the war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In March, Zimbabwe said 15 of its nationals had been killed after being recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, with more than 60 still trapped on the front lines. In February, South Africa secured the return of 17 of its nationals who had reportedly been deceived into joining the conflict.

A Ukrainian intelligence assessment cited by the BBC estimated that more than 1,700 people from 36 African countries had been recruited to fight for Russia. South African police have also investigated allegations that a daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, helped lure 17 men to fight for Russia under promises of security training.

The nine accused are expected to return to court this week, with police investigations continuing into the circumstances surrounding their alleged recruitment and intended travel.