The entry into South Africa earlier this year of Libyan nationals subsequently discovered at an illegal White River military training camp was detected through intelligence by the State Security Agency (SSA), which shared this information with relevant law enforcement authorities.

This is according to Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was answering a parliamentary question by ActionSA’s Athol Trollip. Ntshavheni explained that the SSA played an advisory role to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), and continues to do so.

Additionally, the Minister revealed the SSA is working with the Border Management Agency (BMA) and Police to improve biometric controls and border security.

While investigations into how the military training was facilitated remain active, authorities have yet to identify which entities or individuals were responsible for organizing the training, which was conducted by Milites Dei Academy in White River, Mpumalanga. The outcome of these investigations will determine accountability once all relevant details are confirmed, Ntshavenhi added.

Another point of contention in the case was the decision to deport the Libyan nationals without trial. Ntshavheni reiterated the decision to allow their deportation was made by the courts, not the SSA. This raised concerns about the broader implications of such deportations, particularly in relation to accountability. Trollip questioned whether the deportation was an attempt to avoid a legal trial and prevent the individuals from facing questions about the nature of their training.

The Minister clarified the SSA’s role in matter was limited to an advisory position, focused on border security and visa management, emphasising investigations are still ongoing to uncover the full scope of the training programme.