Nine Arrested Over Alleged Russia–Ukraine War Recruitment

Statement by Chris Hattingh MP – DA Spokesperson on Defense and Military Veterans:

The Democratic Alliance will pursue parliamentary answers following the arrest of nine foreign nationals at OR Tambo International Airport and a hotel in Bruma over alleged plans to participate in the Russia–Ukraine war.

We welcome the coordinated law enforcement operation. The investigation must now identify who recruited the suspects, financed their journeys and facilitated their travel.

The DA will submit parliamentary questions to the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and Police to establish:

• How many South Africans remain in Russia or the conflict zone, including those injured, missing, detained or awaiting repatriation.
• Whether the remaining two members of the group of 17 South Africans have returned, following confirmation that 15 were home in February.
• What progress has been made in investigating and prosecuting alleged recruiters, financiers and facilitators; and
• What measures are being taken to prevent South Africa from becoming a transit route for unlawful foreign military recruitment.

DIRCO previously confirmed that two other South Africans, separate from the group of 17, had died on the front lines. Amnesty International has documented deceptive recruitment into Russian forces, concluding that many cases amounted to human trafficking.

The DA will also seek clarity on the protection, medical care and support available to returnees and their families.

The intended military affiliation of the nine arrested has not been publicly confirmed. Investigators must establish their individual circumstances, including whether they were deceived or trafficked.
Bringing exploited South Africans home must be followed by accountability. Every person implicated by evidence must face the law, regardless of political connections.

South Africa must not become a recruitment or transit hub supplying vulnerable people to foreign battlefields.