Nine Zimbabweans were arrested in and around Johannesburg after police said they were preparing to board flights out of South Africa to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. The group, aged between 20 and 26, was detained on Sunday evening by a multidisciplinary team. Five people were arrested at OR Tambo airport, while four were taken into custody at a hotel in Bruma, east of Johannesburg. Police charged the suspects with contravening South Africa's Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which outlaws mercenary activity without government permission. All nine appeared in court later, according to state prosecutors. Authorities said their operation involved Interpol and other international law enforcement agencies, indicating the suspects may have also allegedly violated laws in their home countries. Police did not say whether the men intended to fight for Russia or Ukraine, and no final destinations were disclosed. The case is linked to broader allegations that African nationals have been recruited to fight in Ukraine and for Russia, with Ukrainian intelligence earlier estimating more than 1,700 people from 36 countries in Africa were recruited. Zimbabwe previously said 15 of its nationals were killed and more than 60 were trapped on the frontlines, while South Africa has reported other related arrests. The suspects were charged and appeared in court, with the case continuing following the arrests.