A plane sent by the Libyan government will take the group back to that country. Picture: Tumelo Machogo / X
The 95 Libyans found at an alleged military camp in Mpumalanga have been deported.
Set to leave on Saturday, Home Affairs confirmed on Sunday that it had finalised the process and the foreigners would finally be flown home.
“They are scheduled to leave SA from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport this morning in a flight that has been paid for by the Libyan government.”
The department said on Saturday that the men would not be punished or face the death penalty when they return.
Minister Leon Schreiber welcomed the extradition.
“I commend the Home Affairs officials and other law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to ensure an expeditious deportation.
ALSO READ: South Africa’s security chaos: Intelligence failures or high-level political maneuvering?
“We will continue to deploy all resources at our disposal to ensure that the country’s immigration laws are respected and observed,” he said.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) this week withdrew charges against the men after their arrest last month.
They faced charges of contravening the Immigration Act.
“The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Sonja Ntuli, reviewed all available evidence and the representations made on behalf of the accused and having considered the evidence and policy considerations, has decided to withdraw the charges preferred against all accused who were arrested at the military training camp in July 2024.
“The charges related to alleged misrepresentations made by the accused in their applications for study visas.”
ALSO READ: Case withdrawn against 95 Libyans found at ‘military camp’
The NPA said more serious allegations would need to be investigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Other matters in connection with the case would be “dealt with administratively in terms of the Immigration Act and its Regulations by the Department of Home Affairs officials, the authority added.
ALSO READ: Libyan camp: Mashaba outraged, demands answers about state security
“Importantly, the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations are proceeding with investigations against the planners, organisers and financiers of the military training camp.
“The NPA is working closely with DPCI to ensure that these alleged criminals are brought to justice as appropriate.”
Forensic and criminal expert Calvin Rafadi weighed in on the saga, raising concerns about inspections conducted, signage outside the facility and the tax compliance of the security company conducting the training, Milites Dei Security Services (MDSS).
“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: How alleged Libyan military camp was misrepresented by security company
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira) recently suspended the operating licence of MDSS.
Additional reporting by Jabulile Mbatha
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
