South African police arrest Libyans at 'illegal' military camp

95 Libyans have been arrested for allegedly training at an “illegal” military camp in South Africa, police said.

Police raided a farm near White River – a small town in the north of Mpumalanga – on Friday.

They said they found military tents, licensed firearms and more.

Marijuana and cocaine were also found in the camp, police said.

The police raided after receiving intelligence on Wednesday.

According to national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe, Libyans are suspected of “misrepresenting themselves” regarding their visa applications by saying that they will be trained as security guards.

The camp in question was registered as a security training facility, police said, but it appears to have been converted.

“We take very seriously any threat to the stability of our province and the country,” police commissioner Zeph Mkhwanazi was quoted in a police statement.

However, the same statement assured the public that “there is no immediate threat to public safety”.

95 Libyans have been detained and are being interrogated by the relevant authorities.

The police did not say from whom these soldiers were being arrested.