South African Police Raid Suspected Libyan Military Training Camp

South African police have arrested 95 Libyan nationals in a raid on a suspected secret military training camp, raising concerns about the existence of similar camps in the country. Investigations are underway to determine the purpose of the training and its potential links to criminal activity.

White River, South Africa - South African police have arrested 95 Libyan nationals in a raid on a suspected secret military training camp in the Mpumalanga province, sparking concerns about the existence of similar camps in the country.

The camp was discovered on a farm in White River, about 360 kilometers (220 miles) northeast of Johannesburg. Police said the Libyans stated they had entered the country on study visas to train as security guards, but preliminary investigations suggest they may have received military training.

South African Police Raid Suspected Libyan Military Training Camp

Pictures of the site of the arrests, broadcast by the Newzroom Afrika TV news channel, showed a military-style camp with large green and khaki tents set up in a row. Dozens of men were seen lining up as they were arrested, wearing civilian clothing.

Local government official Jackie Macie said ongoing investigations would include questioning the owner of the farm. Authorities have received information that there may be similar secret camps near two other towns in Mpumalanga.

South African Police Raid Suspected Libyan Military Training Camp

The province borders Mozambique and Swaziland and is a known area of concern for illegal immigration. Police and authorities have not yet determined whether the camps are suspected of being connected to a particular group or conflict.

Macie emphasized that investigations would aim to establish if there is a network of such camps in South Africa and to ascertain their purpose.

"We don’t know who was training them, what were they being trained for, and why that training is happening here in South Africa," Macie said. "It may be a threat not only to South Africa but also to the entire southern Africa region."

The operation to arrest the Libyans and close down the camp reportedly began two days ago. The Libyan nationals had been in the country since at least April, according to acting provincial police commissioner Maj. Gen. Zeph Mkhwanazi.

Police spokesman Donald Mdhluli said the country's security regulator had confirmed that the training appeared to have gone beyond the scope of training for security guards.

"The kind of equipment we found here shows that there was intense military training taking place here. This was basically a military base," Mdhluli said.

Police also noted that there have been reports of crimes, including rape and armed robberies, committed by unknown foreigners in communities near the farm. They are investigating whether there may be a connection to the suspected military training camp.

The arrests and ongoing investigations have raised concerns about the potential for illegal military training activities in South Africa and the associated security risks. Authorities are continuing their efforts to determine the extent and purpose of these suspected training camps and to identify any potential threats to the country and the region.