Just before becoming mercenaries: nine young people arrested in South Africa

South African police arrested nine foreign nationals suspected of attempting to join the fighting in Ukraine. The detainees, aged 20 to 26, were caught in Johannesburg just before boarding flights, in a joint operation by the police and Interpol. They are accused of mercenary activity. Their nationalities and the side they intended to join were not disclosed.

South African police arrested nine foreign nationals suspected of attempting to join the fighting in Ukraine. The detainees, aged 20 to 26, were caught in Johannesburg just before boarding flights, in a joint operation by the local police and Interpol. They are accused of mercenary activity, which constitutes a violation of South African law. The authorities refused to disclose their nationalities or which side they intended to join. The incident highlights a broader phenomenon of recruiting mercenaries from Africa for the war in Ukraine. The detainees will be brought to a local court for further proceedings.

Just before becoming mercenaries: nine young people arrested in South Africa