South Africa detains nine foreigners who planned to fight for Russia

Police in South Africa on Sunday evening, 9 November, detained nine foreign nationals suspected of trying to fly to Russia to take part in the war Russia launched against Ukraine. The arrests took place at O. R. Tambo airport and at a hotel nearby. The case shows that Russia's recruitment of men in Africa is also reaching South Africa.

The suspects are aged between 20 and 26. Police Colonel Katlego Mogale announced the detentions. The operation involved local and international law enforcement agencies, including Interpol. Police did not disclose the suspects' nationalities or which army they intended to fight for.

Expected charges

The nine are expected to appear in court over alleged violations of South Africa's Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act. The law prohibits mercenary activity and regulates military assistance to parties in foreign conflicts, including recruitment and training. Its provisions also apply to foreigners operating on South African territory.

Recruitment across Africa

The news agency Bloomberg reported in October that Russia has widened the range of African countries where it recruits men for the war. According to the agency, Russia is now focusing on states with low levels of democracy, limited press freedom and weak judicial systems. People are often lured with false promises of civilian jobs, such as in catering or transport, along with lump-sum payments, high salaries and the chance to obtain Russian citizenship. Code for Africa, a nonprofit data journalism and technology organisation, identified 289 websites, domains and social media profiles used to attract recruits with fake advertisements.

Earlier cases

South Africa has helped repatriate several citizens who were reportedly persuaded to join the conflict. Police investigated allegations that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, helped persuade 17 South Africans to fight on Russia's side. She denied the allegations and resigned her parliamentary seat in November 2025; no formal charges were brought against her. Radio presenter Nonkululeko Mantula was charged in late 2025 with recruiting four South Africans to join Russia's armed forces.

In March, Zimbabwe said 15 of its citizens had died in the war and that it was seeking the return of 66 others. Kenya's government said in February that more than 1,000 of its citizens had been recruited to fight for Russia.