South African Police Raid Secret Military Training Camp, Arrest 95 Libyan Nationals

In a significant operation, the South African police have arrested 95 Libyan nationals at a suspected secret military training camp in the Mpumalanga province. The raid, which took place on Friday, has raised concerns about the existence of illegal bases in other parts of the country.

According to authorities, the camp was discovered at a farm in White River, approximately 360 kilometers northeast of Johannesburg. The camp, which appeared to be a military-style facility, featured large green tents set up in a row. Dozens of men were arrested and taken into custody, all wearing civilian clothing.

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said that the Libyans claimed to have entered the country on study visas to train as security guards, but police investigations suggest that they had received military training instead.

The investigation is ongoing, with local government official Jackie Macie stating that the owner of the farm will be questioned. Authorities have also received information about similar secret camps near two other towns in the province, which borders Mozambique and Swaziland.

The Mpumalanga province is an area of concern for South African authorities due to illegal immigration, and the discovery of the camp has raised questions about the motives of the arrested individuals. Macie said that the investigations will establish whether there is a network of camps in South Africa and why the individuals were in the country for military training.

The arrested individuals, all Libyan nationals, are currently being questioned by the relevant authorities. The operation to arrest the Libyans and close down the camp began two days ago, and it is believed that they had been in the country since at least April.

The statement from Mpumalanga acting provincial commissioner Maj. Gen. Zeph Mkhwanazi read: “The 95 individuals taken into custody are all Libyan nationals and are currently being questioned by the relevant authorities.”

This incident highlights the challenges faced by South African authorities in combating illegal immigration and ensuring national security.