By: Zilungile Mkhize
The Hawks say more people could be arrested in connection with the alleged recruitment of South Africans to fight in the Russia–Ukraine war.
This follows the arrest and court appearance of five men who are accused of recruiting individuals to join the conflict.
According to investigators, at least 17 South Africans have already been lured to the front lines of the years-long war under misleading pretences. Some of those who returned have claimed that high-profile political figures were involved in their recruitment; however, these allegations remain under investigation.
In South Africa, it is illegal to participate in armed conflicts outside the country’s borders without prior authorisation from the government. The Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act strictly prohibits citizens from taking part in foreign wars, being trained for such conflicts, or providing military support to any party without a permit from the National Conventional Arms Control Committee.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said further arrests have not been ruled out as the investigation continues.
Mogale added that the Hawks are working with international partners and local law-enforcement bodies to track recruitment networks and ensure South Africans are not exploited or misled into participating in foreign conflicts.
