In the wake of the investigation into an illegal military training camp in White River, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has raided a suspected illegal firearm training facility in Limpopo.

On 8 August 2024, members of the SAPS, including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Public Order Policing (POP), the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), a Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Modimolle Vispol raided an alleged firearm training facility in Modimolle. Although no arrests have been made, the SAPS seized several licensed firearms and ammunition, and an investigation is underway.

Hawks’ spokesperson, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, noted “the purpose of the training is not yet clear, but military-related training cannot be ruled out.” Mmuroa further added that the Hawks had received a tip-off regarding suspicious training and initiated a raid.

The camp is alleged to be linked to the Suidlanders, a right-wing ethnonationalist group, featured in the Netflix series “Dark Tourist”. The group has long touted conspiracy theories and have been known to conduct firearms training, alongside other exercises informed by their beliefs.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu “while the exact purpose of the training at this facility remains under investigation, the discovery of military-related training equipment and activities raises serious concerns that cannot be ignored.”

“This operation, prompted by a tip-off received by the Hawks, led to the seizure of several licenced rifles, a pistol, and a substantial amount of ammunition believed to have been used in the training activities at the facility,” he said.

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