Five Zimbabwean nationals will appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for alleged mercenary activities.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says the men were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, following an intelligence-driven investigation.
Meanwhile, four other Zimbabwean nationals, who were arrested at a hotel in Bruma, are set to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
According to the NPA, the accused were planning to use South Africa as a transit country.
Gauteng NPA spokesperson Abram Magaboke says, “Nine Zimbabwean nationals have appeared before the Kempton Park and Johannesburg Magistrates’ Courts following their arrest for allegedly attempting to travel from South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war. They’re facing charges of contravening the foreign Military Assistance Act.”
“Their cases were postponed to 10 and 12 November 2026 respectively for legal representation. The NPA remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who contravene the laws of the country are held accountable,” explains Magaboke.