By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that it would charge 95 Libyan nationals who were arrested on Friday in what is suspected to be an illegal military base in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.
Mpumalanga police raided the farm uncovering what appeared to be a secret military base training for illegal Libyan nationals since April this year. It followed a tip-off from community members of Masoyi village near the base.
At this point, the prosecution has decided to prosecute all 95 Libyans on a charge of misrepresentation in their visa applications,” NPA spokesperson in Mpumalanga province, said Monica Nyuswa.
“When they appear today, they will be charged, and the matter will be postponed for further investigation,” she said, adding that further investigations will determine whether additional charges can be added.
The suspects appeared without legal representation and there was no interpreter present for the Arabic-speaking foreign nationals when the state called their names for identification during the proceedings.
The case has been postponed to August 5 for further investigation and to allow the state time to secure an interpreter.
The accused will be remanded in custody until their next court appearance.
The Home Affairs Department cancelled the Libyan nationals’ visas on Saturday, saying they obtained the visas irregularly in Tunisia through misrepresentation and are now considering their deportation as one of the options.
The Libyans are said to have entered South Africa in April on study permits to become security guards, but, instead, allegedly received military training. They were scheduled to return home in December.
Meanwhile the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) says it cannot provide more information on the military training camp until the investigation is complete.
PSiRA’s spokesperson, Mpho Sechoaro, said the regulatory body is unable to grant interviews due to the ongoing investigations into this matter.
“PSiRA hopes these investigations will be completed by the end of the week,” she said.
“It is essential to allow the investigations to proceed without interference. Once the investigations are concluded, PSiRA will be available to take interviews and provide comprehensive information.
“PSiRA reiterates the statement made by the Minister of Police in yesterday’s interview, confirming that the training activities did take place. However, it is important to note that PSiRA had already ceased these training sessions prior to the recent raids”.
“From PSiRA’s perspective, the training was unlawful as it bridged the code of conduct and provided training for which it was not accredited.”