White River – Heavily armed SA Police Service (SAPS) officers and Home Affairs officials raided a suspected illegal “military base” in White River, near Mbombela, Mpumalanga, where at least 95 foreign nationals were arrested on Friday.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested foreign nationals were from Libya.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, convened the Provincial Joint Structures (ProvJOINTS) two days ago after receiving intelligence information about the suspected camp.
This led to a joint operation being carried out today, (Friday 26 July 2024), resulting in the raid and subsequent arrests.
Police said the private property where the base is situated was rented for the training of security guards but ended up being used as a “military training camp.”
The “military base” had been operating for almost four months before the police received information about it and conducted a raid.
Tents used by suspected soldiers were recovered by police. There was a makeshift gym for weight lifting and other exercises.
Licensed firearms were also found on the property. Illicit drugs were also recovered.
“We take any threat to the security and stability of our province and country very seriously,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.
“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.”
At this stage, it is still unclear about the details of the suspects.
Their status in SA was still being established, the police said.
Conflct-ridden Libya has struggled to restore state institutions since the ouster of Colonel Muammar al-Qaddafi in 2011.
Anyone with information about similar or related activities is urged to contact the SAPS #CrimeStop number 08600 10111 or submit tips via the #MySAPSApp.
All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
