South African police have arrested nine Zimbabweans who were allegedly trying to leave the country to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war. The suspects, aged 20 to 26, were detained in and around Johannesburg while preparing to board flights out of the country. They face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, which bars mercenary activity without government approval, and have appeared in court. Authorities have not disclosed whether the group intended to fight for Russia or Ukraine or identified the organizations allegedly facilitating their travel. Interpol took part in the operation, which police said suggests the men may also have broken laws in their home country. The arrests come amid growing concerns about African nationals being recruited into the conflict. Zimbabwe previously reported that 15 of its citizens had been killed after joining Russian forces, while more than 60 remained on the front lines.