Nine foreign nationals were arrested in South Africa as police foiled an alleged plan to travel abroad and join the Russia-Ukraine war. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation said the suspects were detained at OR Tambo International Airport and at a hotel in Bruma on the night of 8 November 2026, after officers moved in just as they were reportedly due to board outbound flights. The group includes people aged between 20 and 26. Investigators said the operation was the result of an integrated, multidisciplinary probe involving INTERPOL and Hawks units, along with international and local law enforcement agencies, SAPS Crime Intelligence, tracking teams, and security companies. Police said the men and women are expected to face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998, which prohibits unauthorised foreign military assistance and mercenary activity by citizens, residents, or foreign nationals operating from within South Africa. Authorities noted the arrests follow a wider pattern of attempted recruitment and travel connected to the conflict in Ukraine, including previous interceptions of people at OR Tambo on similar allegations. The Directorate said the accused were arrested and are expected to be charged following the investigation.