Hawks arrest another suspect in foreign military probe

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has arrested another suspect in connection with an ongoing investigation into how several South Africans were facilitated into involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The latest suspect will appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 1 December 2025, alongside four others who are already facing charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed the arrest and highlighted the importance of the ongoing investigation. “The suspect was taken into custody as part of our continued efforts to investigate South Africans who were allegedly recruited to participate in foreign military operations. This arrest reflects the Hawks’ commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring accountability for those who contravene national security regulations,” Mogale said.

The Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit is leading the investigation, which focuses on uncovering the methods used to facilitate involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. There are 17 Sourh Africans currently trapped in the war-zone, desperate to return home. Authorities have emphasised that all suspects remain innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This latest arrest follows a series of prior operations conducted by the Hawks to clamp down on illegal foreign military involvement. The five suspects are expected to appear together in court, where they will face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act. The Hawks have indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that further arrests cannot be ruled out as more information comes to light.

Mogale stressed the Hawks’ focus on national security and the seriousness of the offences under investigation. “Our aim is to ensure that no individual circumvents South Africa’s laws regarding foreign military service. We are dedicated to protecting our citizens and maintaining the integrity of our national security framework,” she said.

The Hawks have urged the public to cooperate with authorities and provide any information that may assist in the investigation. The department highlighted that international conflicts and foreign military involvement remain highly regulated, and contraventions are treated with the utmost seriousness.

Officials confirmed that the court proceedings on Monday, 1 December 2025, will determine the next steps in the prosecution of the suspects. The Hawks continue to work closely with relevant law enforcement and intelligence agencies to trace any networks or facilitators that may have been involved in recruiting South Africans for foreign military operations.

Authorities reiterated that the investigation is active and that the public will be kept informed of further developments as the matter progresses through the legal system.