Nine foreign nationals are expected to appear in a South African Court after being arrested in a Hawks-led operation over allegations that they were preparing to leave South Africa to participate in the Russia-Ukraine war.The arrests followed a multinational intelligence-driven investigation involving INTERPOL, the Hawks, SAPS Crime Intelligence and other international law enforcement agencies.

The suspects, aged between 20 and 26, are expected to face charges under South Africa's Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.

To unpack the security, legal and geopolitical implications of this case, Mpho Sithole spoke to independent security analyst Azaniah Mnisi.