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Nine Zimbabweans appeared in two separate courts in Gauteng on Monday after their arrests in connection with an alleged attempt to travel from SA to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Weight Mudhanyane, 23, Javangwe Munyaradzi, 41, Wesley Sothole, 24, Abel Muchenje, 40, and Knowledge Ndunduma, 46, appeared before the Kempton Park magistrate’s court following their arrest at OR Tambo International Airport.
The other four accused, Bobo Chinhondo, 43, Batsirai Sheren, 24, Liberty Shereni, 44, and Niobe Zhou, 37, appeared before the Johannesburg magistrate’s court following their arrest at a hotel in Bruma.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said all nine accused face charges of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
He said the arrests were effected on Sunday following an intelligence-driven investigation.
“Acting on information gathered during the investigation, a multidisciplinary team conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of the accused. It is alleged that the accused intended to leave South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.”
The matter involving the five accused who appeared before the Kempton Park magistrate’s court was postponed until Tuesday to allow them to secure legal representation.
The matter involving the four other accused was postponed to Thursday for the same purpose. All nine accused remain in custody.
TimesLIVE
Ernest Mabuza
www.timeslive.co.za
