Hawks Nab Fifth Suspect In Explosive SA–Russia Military Recruitment Scandal

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has arrested a fifth suspect as part of the widening investigation into the alleged recruitment of South Africans to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.

This comes after SurgeZirc SA previously reported that four individuals were taken into custody on Saturday for allegedly attempting to leave the country to join the Russian military.

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The arrests were triggered by a tip-off from OR Tambo International Airport police after four men were intercepted at the boarding gate while travelling to Russia via the United Arab Emirates.

They were handed over to the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit for further investigation.

Police confirmed that another person has now been detained on suspicion of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, 15 of 1998.

Hawks Probe Claims of SA Recruits Sent to Fight in Ukraine

In a statement on Sunday, Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the latest arrest forms part of an extensive probe into how 17 South Africans were allegedly recruited to join Russia’s military efforts in the conflict with Ukraine.

Mogale confirmed the newest suspect is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on Monday, facing charges under the same legislation.

“The arrests followed a tip-off from OR Tambo SAPS regarding four males who were end route to Russia via the United Arab Emirates.

“The individuals were intercepted and removed from the boarding gate after being flagged as suspicious, and subsequently referred to the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State (CATS) section,” she said.

Mogale added that a preliminary investigation uncovered that a South African woman had allegedly been arranging travel and recruitment for the men.

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“A search and seizure warrant was executed for an additional suspect believed to be involved in the facilitation of the four men, as well as a fifth individual who had already departed South Africa for Russia,” she said.

The Hawks are working alongside other law-enforcement bodies and state security structures to determine the full scope of the network and assess any possible threat to national security.

Political Tensions Rise as Zuma-Sambudla Scandal Deepens

The arrests come as political controversy intensifies around former President Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who is linked to separate allegations of recruitment.

The MK Party recently announced that Zuma-Sambudla is stepping down from her parliamentary role.

The party declined to elaborate, instead pointing the media to an affidavit she submitted to police.

The DA has also opened criminal cases against her, along with her sister Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, who accused Zuma-Sambudla of recruiting some of their own family members.

The MK Party said Jacob Zuma has intervened in efforts to assist South Africans currently trapped in the conflict.

The Presidency described the matter as “sensitive and complex”, while analysts warn the situation could have significant implications for South Africa’s international relations.

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