Muthomi Ireri
Ninety-five Libyan nationals arrested during a raid on a suspected secret military training camp appeared in court in Gauteng, South Africa, on Monday.
The police, in a post on the social media platform X, stated that the Libyans claimed to have entered South Africa on study visas to train as security guards. However, investigations suggest they were actually receiving military training.
According to South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority, the Libyan nationals were apprehended near the town of White River, approximately 360km (220 miles) east of Johannesburg. They will face charges for misrepresenting their visa applications.
“When they left Libya and came to South Africa, they claimed to be students. However, they were found undergoing military training,” said Monica Nyuswa, a spokesperson for the prosecuting authority.
The case has been postponed to August 5 to allow the court to arrange for an Arabic interpreter.
All 95 individuals, who appeared in court in civilian clothing, will remain in custody. Authorities are also investigating the existence of other illegal training camps in the country.
Dj Vnyash
Silverio Omari
