A well-known South African radio presenter and four other people have been arrested. Police say they were illegally recruiting citizens to fight for Russia in the war against Ukraine. The arrests happened last week at Johannesburg's main airport. The group was trying to travel to Russia.
The five suspects include Nonkululeko Patricia Mantula, who works for a national radio station. They are now charged under a South African law. This law makes it illegal to join or help a foreign army without government permission.
This case started in November. The government began investigating 17 South African men. Their families say the men were tricked. They were promised bodyguard training for a political party, but were instead forced to fight in Ukraine. Reports say eight of these men are from former President Jacob Zuma's family.
The case became a big political story. Last month, a family member of former MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla made a police report. She accused Zuma-Sambudla of helping to recruit the men. Zuma-Sambudla is not arrested, but she resigned from parliament last week because of the attention. She strongly says she did nothing wrong.
Police say they arrested the five people after a tip at the airport. They believe Mantula was organizing the travel and recruitment. The suspects will ask for bail in court on 8 December.
This situation is a serious problem for South Africa. It shows how citizens might be recruited for foreign wars. It also tests the country's laws during a major global conflict. Investigators are still looking for more people involved. The government also has the difficult job of trying to bring home men who are stuck in Ukraine. Many people will watch this case to see what happens.