South Africa detains foreigners suspected of heading to join Russian forces

Africans and others continue to be recruited to fight for Russia in its war on Ukraine.Published On 9 Nov 20269 Nov 2026South African police have arrested nine foreign nationals suspected of seeking to travel from the country to fight in Russia’s war on Ukraine.The suspects were arrested late Sunday night at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg and at a nearby hotel, police said. Numerous reports have detailed how people from Africa and other continents have been tricked into travelling to Russia only to be forced to join Moscow’s grinding war on its neighbour.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Putin tells African leaders Moscow will not pursue ‘neo-colonialism’list 2 of 4‘Economic incentives are limited’: What does Russia really offer Africa?list 3 of 4Why is Russia sending fighter jets and air defences to Ethiopia?list 4 of 4Grain under fire: Black Sea attacks threaten global food suppliesend of listPolice officials said the suspects, aged between 20 and 26, were preparing to board flights to Russia when officers intervened. The men were detained following an investigation involving Interpol and local law enforcement agencies.Neither the suspects’ nationalities nor their p...