Nine Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested in South Africa for allegedly attempting to travel out of the country to participate in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, were apprehended in and around Johannesburg by a multidisciplinary security team involving the International Criminal Police Organisation, INTERPOL.

Police said five of the suspects were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport while preparing to board flights, while the remaining four were picked up at a hotel in Bruma, east of Johannesburg.

Authorities, however, did not disclose the intended final destination of the suspects.

The nine have been charged with violating South Africa’s Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which prohibits citizens from providing military assistance or engaging in mercenary activities without the necessary government authorisation.

According to state prosecutors, the suspects have since appeared in court.

Police added that the involvement of INTERPOL and other international law enforcement agencies points to possible violations of laws in the suspects’ home countries, prompting cross-border cooperation in the investigation.