Johannesburg – South African authorities have detained 95 Libyan nationals at a suspected secret military camp in the country’s northeastern Mpumalanga province. The Libyans, who arrived in the country on study visas to train as security guards, are now under investigation for potential military training activities.
Police conducted a raid on the camp on Friday, discovering a site resembling a military base rather than a security training facility. The camp, located on a farm in White River, was equipped with military-style tents and sandbags.
While the Libyan government has denied any affiliation with the group, South African authorities are treating the matter seriously. Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, the provincial police commissioner, emphasized that there is no immediate threat to public safety but assured the public that the investigation is ongoing.
The discovery comes amidst Libya’s ongoing conflict and political instability since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. The country remains divided between rival administrations, with armed clashes occurring periodically.
South African authorities are working to determine the nature of the training conducted at the camp and any potential links to ongoing conflicts in the region.
