Nine Zimbabweans arrested for alleged Russia-Ukraine war plan
Five appeared in Kempton Park and four in Johannesburg courts, facing charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
Nine Zimbabwean nationals appeared in two separate Gauteng courts after being arrested for allegedly attempting to travel from South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war. Five of the accused, including Weight Mudhanyane, 23, and Javangwe Munyaradzi, 41, appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court after their arrest at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday night. The other four, Bobo Chinhondo, 43, and Liberty Shereni, 44, appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court following their arrest at a hotel in Bruma.
All nine are charged with contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998, following an intelligence-driven operation by the Hawks, Interpol, and international law enforcement agencies. The National Prosecuting Authority stated its commitment to upholding the law, with spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole emphasizing that the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Kempton Park matter was postponed to November 10 for legal representation, while the Johannesburg case was postponed to November 12 for the same reason. All nine accused remain in custody.
Why it mattersNine Zimbabwean citizens were arrested in South Africa for allegedly planning to join the Russia-Ukraine war.