The Mpumalanga police have uncovered what seemed to be a military base on Friday July 26, situated on a private farm outside White River, and which was being used by Libyan nationals.
The discovery of this suspected military training base has led to the detention of 95 Libyan nationals who were found in the camp at the time of the police raid.
According to the provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, they received intelligence about the activities on this farm and zeroed in on it unannounced on Friday.
The military base was fully equipped with state-of-the-art training apparatus, and there was a shooting range nearby.
The Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, said he convened the Provincial Joint Structures (ProvJoints) about two days previously after he had receiving intel about the suspected camp. “The police worked together with the ProvJoint structure, including the Department of Home Affairs and other role players like Police Intelligence, to uncover this training base. We take any threat to the security and stability of our province and country very seriously. This operation demonstrates our commitment to acting swiftly and decisively against any activities that could undermine our national interests and ensure the safety of our citizens, because that is our primary mandate,” he said.
He confirmed that all the detained Libyan nationals are currently being questioned by the relevant authorities.
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The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, who was part of the raid, expressed his shock, but applauded the police for acting swiftly. “We do, however, need to be ahead of such activities so that we leave no space for such people to come on our shores undetected and do as they please. We will go to the drawing board and tighten all the lose screws,” said Macie.
While the investigation continues, the police have appealed to the community of Mpumalanga to come forward with information about similar or related activities taking place within their areas.
