Four men suspected of being recruited to join the Russian military were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport while attempting to travel to Russia via Dubai. The Hawks say the arrests followed a tip-off from SAPS at the airport, with the individuals intercepted at the boarding gate and handed over to the Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a South African woman had allegedly facilitated the recruitment and travel of the suspects. A further search and seizure operation led to the arrest of additional suspects and the seizure of electronic devices and backpacks for analysis. Authorities are also probing involvement of a fifth individual who has already travelled to Russia.
The Hawks confirmed that intelligence coordination is underway with both local and international partners to determine the scope of the alleged recruitment network and any potential security threats.
The four suspects are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged with contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
The arrests come just a day after Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, resigned as an MP for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party amid allegations she was involved in recruiting 17 South African men as mercenaries for Russia.
