South Africa Illegal Libyan Military Training Camp: 95 Arrested to Remain in Custody
By Kwedu News
South Africa – The alleged 95 illegal Libyan militants who were busted in South Africa’s Mpumalanga area on the 26th of July 2024 have been arraigned before the country’s Magistrate Courts, and remanded in custody to the 5th of August 2024.
The 95, who were also found in possession of drugs, appeared before the White River Magistrate’s Court on July 29, 2024, and will remain in custody after their case was postponed to August 5.
According to the South African Police Service’s Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the arrested Libyans were allegedly receiving military training at a White River farm, which is accredited as a security training site.
Mathe said the bust was conducted by a multi-disciplinary security team guided by received intelligence into the alleged illegal military activities.
“A team of detectives is investigating alleged suspicious activities that are taking place at the farm.
“When a team led by SAPS detectives arrived at the farm this morning they found the Libyans housed in military tents. Military training equipment was also found including licensed firearms.
“SAPS detectives cannot rule out the possibility that the farm that is accredited as a security training site is allegedly being utilised as an illegal military training camp,” Brigadier Mathe said.
“The SAPS is working closely with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) on this case to determine the circumstances surrounding how these nationals obtained their visas,” Mathe added.
SAPS National Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, welcomed the bust adding that South African police is committed to fully investigating the allegations and ensuring the safety of South Africans as illegal drugs were also found in the camp.
“During the takedown operation, police also found dagga and cocaine.
“Some of the other drugs found in their possession are being sent to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory in Pretoria to identify them as illegal substances.
“The safety and security of our citizens is of paramount importance and the SAPS remains committed to dealing decisively with transnational organised crime,” Commissioner General Masemola said.
