Hawks arrest woman recruiter and four others over luring South Africans to Russia-Ukraine war

The Hawks have arrested a fifth suspect in connection with luring South Africans to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war, confirming the ongoing nature of their investigation.

This arrest follows the interception and apprehension of four suspects at O.R. Tambo International Airport on Saturday, moments before they were due to board a flight to Russia.

READ: Four nabbed at OR Tambo for trying to join foreign military

One of the four—a woman—is suspected of playing a key role in the recruitment of South Africans into the Russian Federation's military structure.

Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale confirmed that the latest arrest is a direct result of the continuous investigations into the matter.

"The suspect will join the other four on Monday, 01 December 2025, in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court, also facing charges of contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act," Mogale stated.

The South African Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act (RFMAA) of 1998 prohibits citizens and residents from engaging in or recruiting for mercenary activities or rendering unauthorised foreign military assistance.