Johannesburg:Nine foreign nationals have appeared in two separate courts in Gauteng following their arrest for allegedly attempting to travel from South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.
According to South African Government News Agency, the accused individuals are facing charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998. Five of the accused were brought before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court after being arrested at OR Tambo International Airport, while the remaining four appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court following their arrest at a hotel in Bruma.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) indicated that the arrests were the result of an intelligence-driven investigation. A multidisciplinary team conducted an operation which led to the apprehension of the individuals, who are alleged to have planned to leave South Africa to join the conflict in Ukraine.
The case involving the five individuals who appeared at the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court has been postponed to allow them to secure legal representation. Meanwhile, the other four accused are scheduled to appear in court for the same reason on Thursday.
The NPA has emphasized its dedication to upholding the rule of law and prosecuting alleged violations of South African law without bias. It also reminded that the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
