Visas Revoked for 95 Libyans Arrested at Alleged Military Training Camp in Mpumalanga

The Department of Home Affairs has taken decisive action against 95 Libyan nationals following their arrest at a suspected unauthorized military training camp located in White River, Mpumalanga. In an announcement on Saturday, Home Affairs confirmed the cancellation of the Libyan detainees' visas, stating that misrepresentation in their visa applications facilitated in Tunis, Tunisia contributed to their unlawful presence in South Africa.

Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, emphasized that restoring the rule of law is a priority and informed the public of this move as part of a larger enforcement operation. The Home Affairs department, in conjunction with the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies, carried out the raid, which led to the arrests on Friday morning.

The detainees, found on a farm equipped with large tents, have now been rendered undocumented due to the cancellation of their visas. The owner of the farm is understood to have been leasing the land to the Libyans. During the law enforcement operation, various illegal items, such as firearms, cocaine, and dagga, were seized, adding to the gravity of the situation.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the National police spokesperson, added context to the case, indicating that the individuals were initially believed to be arriving in South Africa for security guard training. However, upon their apprehension, they have been charged under the Immigration Act for visa infringements and are suspected of being involved in additional criminal activities within the White River region.

As the next steps unfold, the authorities are deliberating on the best course of action for the Libyans, now considered undocumented. Deportation is among the primary options on the table, along with blacklisting to prevent re-entry to South Africa. The process through the courts is expected to pave the way for these measures, ensuring that immigration laws are upheld and order is restored.