Nine Foreigners Arrested in South Africa Over Ukraine War Allegations

WHO:

ABC News World - South African police arrested nine foreign nationals suspected of trying to travel to Russia to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

BBC News - Police said the nine foreigners did not live in South Africa; police declined to disclose their nationalities.

BBC - The report said citizens of several African countries, including Kenya, Ghana and South Africa, have gone to fight for Russia in Ukraine.

WHAT:

ABC News World - South African police arrested nine foreign nationals over suspicions that they were trying to travel to Russia to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.

BBC News - Nine foreigners were caught allegedly trying to leave South Africa to fight in Ukraine.

BBC - Some African citizens who went to fight for Russia in Ukraine had been duped and did not realize where they were going.

WHERE:

ABC News World - The arrests took place in South Africa; the suspected intended destination was Russia.

BBC News - The foreigners were allegedly trying to leave South Africa.

BBC - The report identifies Kenya, Ghana and South Africa as countries whose citizens have gone to fight for Russia in Ukraine; the fighting is in Ukraine.

WHY:

ABC News World - Police suspected the nine foreign nationals intended to travel to Russia to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

BBC News - The nine foreigners were allegedly trying to leave South Africa to fight in Ukraine.

BBC - Some people who went to fight for Russia had been deceived and were unaware of their destination.

(UPDATED November 9, 2026 16:02 UTC)

South African police arrested nine foreign nationals suspected of trying to join Russia’s war in Ukraine. The suspects allegedly planned to leave South Africa for Russia; police withheld their nationalities. Some Africans recruited to fight for Russia were reportedly deceived about where they were going.