95 Libyan nationals arrested in South Africa
SA clamps down on suspected military base
Police authorities said the kind of equipment found shows that there was intense military training taking place at the facility.
South African police arrested 95 Libyan nationals in a raid on a suspected secret military training camp on Friday. Authorities said they were investigating whether there were more illegal bases in other parts of the country.
The camp was discovered at a farm in White River in the Mpumalanga province, about 360 kilometers northeast of Johannesburg, police said.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said in a post on X that the Libyans stated they had entered the country on study visas to train as security guards, but police investigations suggest they have received military training.
The Newzroom Afrika TV news channel broadcast pictures of the site of the arrests, showing a military-style camp with large green tents set up in a row. Dozens of men were seen lining up as they were arrested. They were wearing civilian clothing.
Local government official Jackie Macie said investigations were ongoing and the owner of the farm would be questioned. He said authorities received information that there were similar secret camps near two other towns in Mpumalanga.
Illegal immigration concerns
The province borders neighbouring countries Mozambique and Eswatini and is an area of concern for South African authorities with regards to illegal immigration.
Police and authorities have not said whether the camps are suspected of being connected to a particular group or conflict.
Macie said investigations would establish whether there was a network of camps in South Africa and show “why they are here doing military training in our country".
Police said the operation to arrest the Libyans and close down the camp began two days ago. Macie added that the Libyan nationals had been in the country since at least April.
“The 95 individuals taken into custody are all Libyan nationals and are currently being questioned by the relevant authorities,” Mpumalanga acting provincial commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi said in a statement.
The camp was discovered at a farm in White River in the Mpumalanga province, about 360 kilometers northeast of Johannesburg, police said.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said in a post on X that the Libyans stated they had entered the country on study visas to train as security guards, but police investigations suggest they have received military training.
The Newzroom Afrika TV news channel broadcast pictures of the site of the arrests, showing a military-style camp with large green tents set up in a row. Dozens of men were seen lining up as they were arrested. They were wearing civilian clothing.
Local government official Jackie Macie said investigations were ongoing and the owner of the farm would be questioned. He said authorities received information that there were similar secret camps near two other towns in Mpumalanga.
Illegal immigration concerns
The province borders neighbouring countries Mozambique and Eswatini and is an area of concern for South African authorities with regards to illegal immigration.
Police and authorities have not said whether the camps are suspected of being connected to a particular group or conflict.
Macie said investigations would establish whether there was a network of camps in South Africa and show “why they are here doing military training in our country".
Police said the operation to arrest the Libyans and close down the camp began two days ago. Macie added that the Libyan nationals had been in the country since at least April.
“The 95 individuals taken into custody are all Libyan nationals and are currently being questioned by the relevant authorities,” Mpumalanga acting provincial commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi said in a statement.
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