Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
30 July 2024 | 09:00 CAT
2 min read

South African police have detained 95 Libyan nationals for questioning following a raid on a suspected military training camp in White River, Mpumalanga. Police initially investigated the site, believed to be a military base, which was purportedly operated by a South African national. The Libyans had claimed to be in South Africa on study visas for security guard training, but police suspect they were involved in military training.

Authorities have yet to determine any affiliations of the detained individuals, and Libya’s government has denied any connection to them. The South African police have stated there is no immediate threat to community safety and continue to investigate the situation.

The captured 95 Libyan nationals appeared in White River Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of visa misrepresentation. The men, aged 20 to 41, were found at a suspected military training base in Mpumalanga and are accused of falsely claiming their visas were for security training. The Department of Home Affairs has suspended their visas, revealing they were obtained through misrepresentation.

The court case was delayed as an Arabic interpreter is needed, with the next appearance scheduled for 5 August 2024. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber confirmed that the visas were cancelled and deportation is being considered. Police have indicated that further arrests are possible as the investigation continues.

Speaking to Radio Islam, criminologist Dr Simon Howell suggested that intelligence gathering likely triggered the investigation. He noted reports indicating that some individuals at the camp were involved in criminal activities in the surrounding community, including raiding local areas and possessing illegal substances and drugs.

“This gave the impression of a traditional military camp until, according to the new SAPS minister, people in attendance, Libyans, were found to be violating VISA applications, and trainees were engaging with the community and stealing food and various other things,” said Howell.

Howell explained that under the private security industry regulations, facilities are permitted for security guard training and operations. However, such facilities should not resemble an overt military base.

“There are distinct markers between the two. This was one thing that possibly flagged this place,” he added.

Howell pointed out that the extent of the operation, including its considerable infrastructure and significant level of organisation, suggests it may have been in place for a considerable time.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber praised the arrests of the 95 Libyan nationals, emphasising that the operation aimed to uphold the rule of law. The Department of Home Affairs has cancelled their irregular visas, leaving them as undocumented foreign nationals. Schreiber also noted that deportation options are being considered.

“The site will most likely be dismantled, and Home Affairs is handling the visa issue for the 95 Libyans. SAPS needs to conduct its investigation before we are given more details,” said Howell.

Police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdluli indicated that further arrests could be possible as the investigation continues.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Habib Bobat and criminologist Dr Simon Howell, here.