Johannesburg – The Libyan Government has paid for a flight back home for 95 of its citizens arrested in South Africa on suspicion of contravening the country’s immigration laws.
The suspects were arrested at a “military training camp” at a farm in White River last month.
Soon after their arrest, the Libyans who reportedly secured their visas through an agency in Tunis, demanded to be sent back home rather than be detained in South Africa.
Last week, on Monday (15 August 2024), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew the charges against all the Libyans, but the White River Magistrate’s Court ordered their deportation.
The NPA said there was insufficient evidence to prosecute them.
“They are scheduled to leave South Africa from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport this morning in a flight that has been paid for by the Libyan Government,” the Department of Home Affairs said earlier Sunday.
Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber, who said he welcomed the swift conclusion of the deportation, added: “I commend the Home Affairs officials and other law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to ensure an expeditious deportation.
“We will continue to deploy all resources at our disposal to ensure that the country’s immigration laws are respected and observed.”
