9 Zimbabweans Arrested In SA For Allegedly Trying To Join Russia-Ukraine War
Nine Zimbabweans are in trouble in South Africa after they were arrested for allegedly trying to leave the country to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The nine appeared in two different Gauteng courts on Monday, 10 November.
Five of them were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport. They are Weight Mudhanyane aged 23, Munyaradzi Javangwe aged 41, Wesley Sithole aged 24, Abel Muchenje aged 40, and Knowledge Ndunduma aged 46. They appeared at the Kempton Park Magistrates Court.
The other four were arrested at a hotel in Bruma. They are Bobo Chinhondo aged 43, Batsirai Shereni aged 24, Liberty Shereni aged 44, and Nobby Zhou aged 37. They appeared at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole, the arrests were made on Sunday after an intelligence-driven operation. A multidisciplinary team acted on information gathered during investigations. It is alleged that the group intended to leave South Africa to take part in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Kempton Park case was postponed to Tuesday and the Johannesburg case to Thursday so that the accused can find lawyers. All nine will remain in custody until their next court appearance.
THE CRIME THEY COMMITTED:
All nine face charges of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
In simple terms, this South African law makes it illegal for anyone living in South Africa to join or offer to help any foreign army or take part in any foreign war without first getting official permission from the South African government.
You cannot leave South Africa to go and fight for Russia or Ukraine or any other country. If you do, or if you try to do it, you are breaking the law and can be arrested, charged and jailed.
File photo of some Zimbabwean fighting in the Russia – Ukraine war
-Fanuel Viriri