Nine Zimbabweans appear in South African court over alleged war travel

Nine Zimbabwean nationals arrested in South Africa over alleged plans to join the Russia-Ukraine war have appeared in court, according to state prosecutors. Police have not said whether the group intended to fight for Russia or Ukraine, and their final destination remains unclear.

Police said the suspects, aged 20 to 26, were arrested on Sunday evening while preparing to board flights out of the country. Five were detained at OR Tambo International Airport and four at a hotel in Bruma, east of Johannesburg. A multidisciplinary team involving Interpol took part in the operation.

The nine have been charged with contravening South Africa's Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act. The charges are allegations, not findings of guilt. Authorities have not provided details of the organisations allegedly facilitating their travel, and the reported court appearance does not establish that they had fought in the conflict.

The case comes amid wider concern about recruitment of foreign nationals for the war. Amnesty International has separately alleged that people from several countries were promised civilian or non-combat work before being pressured into Russian military service. That background does not establish who recruited these nine suspects, which side they allegedly intended to join or whether they were deceived.

CORRECTION: An earlier version described the group as preparing to travel to Russia and said a court appearance was still expected. A subsequent report, citing state prosecutors, says all nine appeared in court. Police have not specified a side in the war, and the final destination is unconfirmed.