By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Ninety five Libyan nationals have been arrested on suspicion of receiving training at an "illegal" military camp in South Africa, according to police. Officers raided a farm near White River, a small town in Mpumalanga province, on Friday. During the raid, they discovered military tents, licensed firearms, other military equipment, and drugs including 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 by claiming they were training as security guards. Although the camp was initially registered as a security training site, it appeared to have been converted for other purposes.
Police commissioner Zeph Mkhwanazi emphasized the seriousness with which the authorities take any threat to the security and stability of the province and country. However, he assured the public that there was no immediate threat to community safety.
The 95 Libyan nationals have been taken into custody and are being questioned by the relevant authorities. The police have not disclosed who might have been providing the military training.
