Fifth Arrest in Hawks Probe into Alleged Recruitment for Russia-Ukraine War
Johannesburg – A fifth suspect has been apprehended by the Hawks as investigations widen into the alleged recruitment of South Africans to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The arrest, confirmed on Saturday by Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, falls under the purview of the Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit, which is actively probing potential breaches of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
"Another suspect has been arrested by the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State [unit] in relation to the ongoing investigation into how several South Africans were facilitated into involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war," Mogale stated.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Monday, alongside four other men who were arrested on Friday.
The investigation was initiated following a tip-off from police at OR Tambo International Airport, who became suspicious of four men preparing to board a flight to Russia via the United Arab Emirates. Their behaviour prompted officers to alert the Hawks.
"Preliminary investigation revealed that a South African female had been facilitating the travel and recruitment of these individuals into the Russian Federation military," Mogale explained.
Subsequently, a search-and-seizure warrant was obtained for a fifth suspect believed to be connected to the four travellers intercepted at the airport, as well as another individual who had already departed for Russia.
This suspect was interviewed upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday, leading to the arrest of three additional men the following day.
According to Mogale, the Hawks have confiscated electronic devices and two backpacks for further analysis. "Co-ordination with intelligence and international counterparts is ongoing to determine the full extent of the network and any further security threats," she added.
These arrests occur amidst growing controversy surrounding claims made by a group of MK party members who allege they were "trafficked" into combat roles in the Donbas region of Ukraine.
The men claim they were recruited under false pretences by Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a former MK party MP, along with Siphokazi Xuma-Zuma and a man identified as Blessing Khoza. They allege they travelled to Russia in July, believing they were going for military training, only to be presented with infantry contracts written in Russian on July 11.
It is alleged that seventeen of the men were subsequently deployed to the frontline in Donetsk, while the remainder returned to South Africa with Zuma-Sambudla.
Adding another layer to the saga, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's sister, opened a criminal case against her on November 23, concerning the alleged recruitment of the 17 men without their informed consent.
The MK party addressed the allegations during a briefing in Durban on Friday, announcing that Zuma-Sambudla had resigned as an MP.
The party has distanced itself from the alleged recruitment activities and stated that it is currently engaging with the families of the stranded men to facilitate their return home. The unfolding events raise serious questions about the recruitment process and the potential exploitation of South Africans in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Hawks' investigation is expected to shed more light on the network involved and the extent of its operations.
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