In the wake of the discovery of the illegal military training camp in White River, Mpumalanga, the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA), has said the training conducted there was unlawful as it went beyond the scope of security industry training.
The Authority noted that the camp, located on a farm, was the address of a security service provider, Milites Dei Security Services (Pty) Ltd (MDSS), that had previously registered with PSiRA.
“PSiRA has instructed MDSS to immediately cease all training activities and has deployed its inspectorate to physically inspect the premises to ensure compliance,” PSiRA said in a statement, which further noted that the Authority, together with other government departments, was naturally concerned about these activities. The Regulatory Authority has taken “immediate steps to conduct preliminary investigations and, consequently, PSiRA [has] shut down such training.”
The Premises was raided on Friday 26 July 2024, with the statement indicating that the Regulatory Authority was present when the raid was conducted, alongside the South African Police Service and the Department of Home Affairs Immigrations Services.
“PSiRA’s investigations are ongoing and PSiRA is giving this matter its highest priority.” The Regulatory Authority stated it takes “this matter seriously,” and the investigate will continue, adding “All necessary legal actions [will be] taken to address this issue.”
“PSiRA is committed to transparency and will hold a full media briefing once the investigations are complete. During this briefing, PSiRA will address all questions and provide detailed information on the matter.”
The 95 Libyan nationals arrested at the White River training camp maintained their innocence after a brief appearance in court on Monday, saying they came to South Africa to train as security guards. The group faces charges of violating the National Immigration Act. They will remain in custody until the next court date set for 5 August.
The Department of Home Affairs cancelled their visas on Saturday, saying they obtained them irregularly in Tunisia through misrepresentation and were considering deportation as one of their options.
During Friday’s raid, police discovered tents, firearms, and drugs during a joint operation with Home Affairs.
Libyan media report the men belong to the 2020 Group, which is part of the Tariq bin Ziyad Brigade affiliated to Libyan army commander Khalifa Haftar’s forces. Saudi-based Al-Arabiya Al-Hadath TV channel said the men were sent by the general command in official coordination with an Irish security company for training as special forces.
The Libyans arrived in South Africa in April.
This is a developing story.
