Five South Africans have been arrested for recruitment and fighting in the war in Ukraine, being suspected of being lured to the front through trickery.

Five South Africans have been brought before the court on charges of recruiting and fighting for Russia in the conflict in Ukraine, following allegations that 17 South Africans were lured to the front through deceptive methods. A South African woman is suspected of facilitating the travel and recruitment of these individuals.

The arrests took place at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, where four suspects were apprehended on consecutive days after being identified as suspects following information received by the police. The suspects, including a radio presenter, have been placed in preventive detention, and judicial proceedings have been postponed for a subsequent hearing on December 8. It is illegal for South African citizens to fight or assist foreign armies without government authorization, according to legislation.