5 suspects to make court appearance in connection with luring SAns to fight in Russia-Ukraine war

Five suspects are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court in connection with the luring of South Africans to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Four people, including one woman, were arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport on Friday just moments before they could board flights to Russia.

On Sunday, one other person was also arrested in connection with the crime.

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The only woman among the accused is believed to have been facilitating the travel and recruitment of individuals into the Russian Federation military.

According to police, a search and seizure warrant was issued for a fifth suspect, who had already left for Russia.

Officers said it was in his interview on Thursday where more information on the operation was uncovered.

Police said electronic gadgets and two backpacks were seized for further investigation.

The five suspects are accused of violating the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.

These arrests come days after the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, resigned as a member of Parliament (MP) amid her alleged involvement in luring another group of men to fight in the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war.