95 Libyan Nationals Arrested at Suspected Military Training Base in Mpumalanga
In a significant operation, police have arrested 95 Libyan nationals in South Africa.
The Libyan nationals were nabbed at a suspected illegal military training base in White River, Mpumalanga, during a raid.
The raid took place on Friday and was conducted by the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJoints), along with other agencies such as the Department of Home Affairs and SAPS Crime Intelligence.
Discovery of the Military Base
Police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli revealed to News24, that the operation was initiated after intelligence information was received about the suspected camp.
Mdhluli stated that the location, originally designated as a training site, seems to have been repurposed into an illegal military training base.
“The place, which was initially designated as a training site, appears to have been converted into an illegal military training base,” Mdhluli stated.
The 95 Libyan nationals are believed to have misrepresented their intentions on their visa applications, claiming they were coming to South Africa to train as security guards. However, police suspect they were actually receiving military training at the illegal base.
Coordinated Effort Leads to Successful Raid
Mdhluli explained that the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure was activated two days prior to the raid
The raid was part of a collaborative effort among various security agencies.
“The Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure was activated two days ago, and today, in collaboration with SAPS Crime Intelligence and officials from the Department of Home Affairs, we carried out the raid,” Mdhluli explained.
Police Assure Public of Safety Amidst Ongoing Investigation
Acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi emphasized the seriousness with which the police treat any potential threats to security.
“This operation demonstrates our commitment to acting swiftly and decisively against any activities that could undermine our national interests and ensure the safety of our citizens because that is our primary mandate,” Mkhwanazi said.
Despite the alarming nature of the discovery, police have reassured the public that there is no immediate threat to community safety.
“While the investigation remains active, we want to assure the public that there is no immediate threat,” Mdhluli added.
Community Concerns
The discovery of the suspected military training base has raised significant concerns among South Africans, with many questioning how such a large group of foreign nationals entered the country and whether there is a broader security threat.
@FrankTalk_123;
How did they get into the country in the 1st place? Are they documented? Is SA becoming a grooming base for ISIS as allegations have been going around?
@_AfricanSoil;
Signs of a country with very weak Intelligence! Unbelievable.
The police have to deal with criminals from other countries but that’s actually the job of Intelligence to make sure such suspicious activities are picked prior to them even entering the country.
Aai SMH.
@TieOnto;
Are they not terrorists? Also, how did they set up an entire military camp without intelligence detection?
@TebogoTheScribe;
A whole military camp for Libyans in SA. Smells Amercian.