The Hawks say the nine foreign nationals were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma, east of Johannesburg, over an alleged attempt to leave South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war, and they are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than four and a half years ago and has been using foreign nationals, including from Africa, in its army.

#sapsHAWKS [NINE FOREIGN NATIONALS ARRESTED AT OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT]

Nine foreign nationals are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court soon following their arrest at the airport and a hotel in Bruma in connection with an alleged attempt to travel from South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The arrests follow an integrated multidisciplinary investigation involving INTERPOL, the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State and Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Germiston, International Law Enforcement agencies, SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Modus Operandi Centre, the Gauteng Provincial Tracking Team and the various security companies.

Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, the multidisciplinary team operationalised an intervention that resulted in the arrest of the nine suspects, aged between 20 and 26, last night. The suspects were allegedly preparing to board flights out of the country when they were apprehended.

The suspects are expected to face charges relating to the contravention of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998.

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

The #HAWKS reiterate their commitment to working with local and international law enforcement agencies to combat crime and ensure compliance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

#SAPS #FightingCrime #PartnershipPolicing ST

https://t.co/xIHycwjdSx

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) November 9, 2026

Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale says the suspects were preparing to board flights out of the country when they were apprehended.

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

The suspects are expected to face charges relating to the contravention of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998.”