Written By Lisa Murimi
Ninety-five Libyan nationals have been arrested on suspicion of receiving training at an “illegal” military camp in South Africa, police confirmed on Friday.
The raid took place on a farm near White River, a small town in the northern province of Mpumalanga.
Officers discovered military tents, licensed firearms, and other military equipment at the site. They also found cannabis and cocaine. The raid was conducted following intelligence received on Wednesday.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that the Libyans allegedly “misrepresented themselves” on their visa applications, claiming they would be training as security guards. Initially registered as a security training site, the camp appears to have been converted for military purposes.
“We take any threat to the security and stability of our province and country very seriously,” said police commissioner Zeph Mkhwanazi in a statement. However, the same statement assured the public that there was “no immediate threat to community safety.”
The 95 Libyan nationals are currently in custody and are being questioned by the relevant authorities. The police have not disclosed who might have been providing the military training to the detainees.
