Alleged war-recruitment group back in court

Five men accused of trying to leave South Africa to join the Russian military are expected back in the Kempton Park Magistrate Court today. They were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after police removed them from a flight bound for Russia via the UAE. Authorities say the group was allegedly recruited and organised by a South African woman.

Investigators claim the woman co-ordinated travel plans and attempted to move the men through Dubai before they would be deployed in Russia. The suspects face charges under the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act. Police say they are working with international intelligence agencies to determine whether the arrest forms part of a broader recruitment network.