Case withdrawn against 95 Libyans found at ‘military camp’

The case against the 95 Libyans found at a suspected military camp has been withdrawn due to a lack of evidence.

The suspects appeared in court on 15 August at the White River Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to contravention of the Immigration Act.

The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Sonja Ntuli, reviewed all available evidence and the representations made on behalf of the accused.

“Having considered the evidence and policy considerations, has decided to withdraw the charges preferred against all accused,” stated Mpumalanga NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa.

Reports from the court explained the 95 Libyans were upbeat, screaming in jubilation after hearing the state was withdrawing their case.

The men have since been handed over to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for deportation.

Home Affairs accepts decision

DHA Minister Leon Schreiber welcomed the decision and has instructed his department to act swiftly in deporting the Libyans.

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The suspects were in South Africa on study visas obtained in Tunisia and had been in the country since April.

Police had also been investigating the circumstances around the security training facility as well as the roles of the owners of the facility.

Differing versions of events

Forensic and criminal expert Calvin Rafadi revealed last week that the reports from those involved in the arrest did not add up.

“Private security, the South African Police Service and crime intelligence are in partnership but the story about how they found this military camp keeps changing,” Rafadi said.

ALSO READ: Libyan camp story ‘keeps on changing’, says expert

He raised concerns about the inspections conducted, signage outside the facility and the tax compliance of the security company conducting the training, Milites Dei Security Services (MDSS).

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira) has since suspended the operating licence of MDSS.

• Additional reporting by Jabulile Mbatha