South African police arrested four men at Johannesburg airport on Friday, suspected of planning to join the Russian military. The men were stopped at the boarding gate, en route to Russia via the United Arab Emirates.
A preliminary investigation revealed a South African woman allegedly facilitated their travel and recruitment.
The four suspects will appear in court on Monday, charged with contravening the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.
This comes after 17 South African men were reportedly stuck in Ukraine, lured by promises of lucrative contracts.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation, and police are also probing Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, for alleged involvement.
