Hawks Arrest 10th Suspect In Alleged Russia-Ukraine War Recruitment Plot

A new arrest has brought the number of suspects linked to an alleged attempt to recruit South Africans and foreign nationals for the Russia-Ukraine war to 10. The Hawks confirmed that a 38-year-old foreign national was arrested on Wednesday night, 11 November, following an intelligence-driven operation.

The latest arrest comes just days after nine Zimbabwean nationals were detained at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma, Johannesburg, on Sunday, 8 November. Those suspects have since appeared in the Kempton Park

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and Johannesburg magistrates' courts.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed that the latest suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 12 November. The suspect's identity and nationality have not been disclosed.

Hawks Arrest 38-Year-Old Foreign National In Russia-Ukraine War Investigation

According to Mogale, the arrest followed a coordinated operation involving several law enforcement agencies and intelligence structures. The investigation brought together INTERPOL Pretoria National Central Bureau, the Hawks' Crimes Against the State and Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Germiston, international law enforcement agencies and SAPS Crime Intelligence.

Other participants included the Modus Operandi Centre, the Gauteng Provincial Tracking Team and various private security companies. Authorities used intelligence gathered during the investigation to coordinate the operation that led to the suspect's arrest.

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"Acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, the multidisciplinary team operationalised an intervention that resulted in the arrest," Mogale said.

She added that the suspect was allegedly also travelling to take part in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"The suspect allegedly was also en route to fight in the Russian/Ukraine war."

Russia-Ukraine War Suspect To Face Foreign Military Assistance Charges

The 38-year-old is expected to face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998. Mogale confirmed the legislation under which the suspect will be charged.

"The suspect will be facing charges of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998," she said.

The legislation governs South Africans' involvement in foreign military assistance and certain military-related activities abroad. The latest arrest brings the number of suspects detained in connection with the alleged travel arrangements to 10.

Hawks Investigation Continues After Nine Zimbabweans Arrested

The latest development follows the arrest of nine Zimbabwean nationals on Sunday, 8 November. They were apprehended at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma as investigators pursued allegations that they were attempting to travel abroad to join the Russia-Ukraine war.

The nine suspects subsequently appeared in the Kempton Park and Johannesburg magistrates' courts. Their arrests formed part of the wider investigation into alleged attempts to facilitate travel for individuals intending to participate in the conflict.

With another suspect now in custody, the Hawks' investigation continues. The 38-year-old is expected to make his first court appearance in Kempton Park on Thursday, 12 November.