· The fifth arrest follows the capture of four suspects stopped at OR Tambo International Airport before boarding a flight to Russia.
· The suspects are accused of violating the Foreign Military Assistance Act by helping to recruit locals for the Russian army.
The Hawks have arrested a fifth person in a case linked to the recruitment of South Africans to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Another arrest came on Saturday, a day after four suspects were stopped at OR Tambo International Airport. The group had been preparing to fly to Russia via the United Arab Emirates.
Police at the airport became suspicious and called in the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit, which took over the investigation.
According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, early investigations revealed that a South African woman was helping recruit and organise travel for citizens to join the Russian military.
A search-and-seizure warrant was issued for a fifth person believed to be connected to the four travelers, as well as another individual who had already left for Russia.
“The Hawks arrested another individual in relation to how several South Africans were facilitated into involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war,” said Mogale.
The five suspects are expected to appear at the Kempton Park Magistrates Court on Monday. They face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, 15 of 1998.
The investigation comes after 17 South Africans were allegedly recruited to join the Russian armed forces.
Meanwhile, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, resigned this week as a Member of Parliament for the MK Party. She has been linked to the scandal through social media support for Russia.
Her sister, Nkosazana Bonganini Zuma-Mncube, opened a criminal case last Sunday, claiming 17 men had been recruited without their consent.
The probe is ongoing.
Pictured above: Hawks vehicle
Image source: Supplied
