Ninety-five Libyan nationals have been apprehended in South Africa on allegations of undergoing training at an illegal military camp, according to local law enforcement officials.
Authorities executed a raid on a farm near White River, located in the Mpumalanga province, following intelligence reports received earlier in the week.
During the operation, police discovered military tents, licensed firearms, and various military equipment on the premises. Additionally, a substantial amount of cannabis and cocaine was seized, raising further concerns about the activities at the camp.
The raid was initiated based on intelligence gathered on a Wednesday, revealing that the Libyans had allegedly misrepresented themselves on their visa applications, claiming they were training as security guards.
Initially registered as a security training site, the camp appears to have been repurposed for unauthorized military instruction, officials indicated. Police Commissioner Zeph Mkhwanazi stressed the importance of maintaining security and stability within the province, while reassuring the public that there is currently “no immediate threat to community safety.”
The detained Libyan nationals are now under investigation, and authorities are seeking to determine the identity of those responsible for providing the alleged military training.
