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.

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A high-speed chase ensued as the SAPS Flying Squad pursued the suspect. After a ‘determined effort’, officers successfully brought the vehicle to a stop. Upon searching the vehicle, a significant cache of high-caliber firearms and ammunition was discovered.

The seized items include:

• Eight AK-47 rifles
• One R1 rifle
• One R4 rifle
• One R5 rifle
• One pistol
• One revolver
• Two grenades
• Dozens of live ammunition rounds

“This successful operation is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of the SAPS Flying Squad in their ongoing efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety and security of our communities,” the SAPS said. “The swift and decisive action taken by the officers has undoubtedly prevented these dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands, potentially saving lives and averting further harm.”

The suspect has been arrested and is facing charges related to the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they have been used in any previous criminal activities. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation progresses.

The SAPS said it remains steadfast in its mission to remove illegal firearms from the streets and bring those responsible for such criminal activities to justice.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has commended the officers for their outstanding work. “Our Festive Season Operation is yielding positive results,” said the General. “This operation exemplifies the hard work and dedication of our members in keeping our communities safe.”

Meanwhile, the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie, also praised the police for their success. “I am pleased with the recovery of these dangerous weapons, especially following the recent launch of the highway patrol initiative in the province,” said the MEC.

“It is deeply concerning and alarming that such dangerous weapons were in the possession of criminals. This raises serious questions about the safety of our province, as we cannot yet know the intended destination or purpose of these firearms. We hope the arrested suspect will provide more insight into this matter,” he added.

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Accused of violating the Immigration Act after misrepresenting the reason for their stay in South Africa, charges were subsequently dropped against the accused.

The Libyan nationals left South Africa from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport on the morning of Sunday, 18 August 2024, on a flight paid for by the Libyan Government. It was reported that 89 flew out on a CemAir aircraft to Libya, and six were due out on a flight from OR Tambo International as the CemAir aircraft can only carry 90 people.

It is not clear whether the payment was made by the Eastern Libyan Government, based in Tobruk, or the UN recognised Government of National Unity, based in Tripoli.

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, welcomed the swift conclusion of the deportation.

“I commend the Home Affairs officials and other law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to ensure an expeditious deportation. We will continue to deploy all resources at our disposal to ensure that the country’s immigration laws are respected and observed,” said Minister Schreiber.

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) previously indicated that they became aware of the camp a month ago, on 19 July, and issued an order to cease operations on 21 July. The South African Police Service (SAPS) raided the camp on 26 July, and discovered military infrastructure, and small amounts of cocaine and cannabis. PSiRA announced on 07 August that the license of the camp, owned by Milites Dei Security Services, had been suspended.

With the Libyans now gone, it is unclear how the investigation will proceed, with SAPS and PSiRA indicating that the investigations are ongoing, with focus now on the camps’ owners.

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Sonja Ntuli, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, “reviewed all available evidence and the representations made on behalf of the accused,” adding that upon consideration, the decision was made to withdraw the charges against them.

The NPA said that it had “coordinated with its criminal justice partners,” and announced that the 95 Libyans will be in the custody the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). Moreover, the department will facilitate the deportation process of the accused.

The Department of Home Affairs welcomed the court decision, announcing that the next step would be deportation. Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber instructed his department “to proceed with speed,” ensuring legal processes are adhered to, so the deportations may be “conducted swiftly.”

DHA officials have gone to court to secure confirmations for the deportation from the Magistrate. Logistics are being finalised for the deportation, with the DHA noting it “stands ready to send the group back to their home country.”

Dr Schreiber noted the DHA “will not hesitate to act decisively to ensure that anyone who breaches the immigration laws of the country is processed through the courts and accordingly faces the consequences.” He added further that “respect for the rule of law is sacrosanct.”

The Libyans applied to be deported to Benghazi should their representations be successful. The men had been charged with misrepresentations in their visa applications in that they claimed they were coming into South Aafrica to train as security guards.

With the deportation of the Libyan nationals, the focus is now on the owners of the training camp, Milites Dei Security Services (MDSS). On 07 August, the Private Security industry Regulatory Authority (PRiSA) announced it had suspended MDSS’ license and had ordered the owners to cease operations on 21 July, prior to the raid by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 26 July.

The South African Police Service Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) continue to conduct investigations “against the planners, organisers and financiers of the military training camp.” The NPA is working closely with DPCI to ensure that the alleged criminals “are brought to justice.”

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During a media briefing on Wednesday 7 August, PSiRA CEO Manabela Chauke provided an update on the on-going investigation into the illegal military training camp in Mpumalanga where 95 Libyan nationals were arrested last month.

Chauke sought to reassure the public that PSiRA’s priority remains “the safeguarding of our citizens and upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism within the private security industry.”

PSiRA first became aware of the allegations against the camp on 18 July 2024, after being informed by the South African Police Service. On 19 July, the PSiRA Law Enforcement Team Was directed to investigate the facility. On 21 July, PSiRA issued a directive to “cease training operations” to the camp, with immediate effect. The owners of the facility responded on 23 July, confirming the cessation of training, and offered to cooperate with the investigation. Constant surveillance was maintained from 19 July, until arrests were carried out on 26 July.

The scope of PSiRA’s investigation into Milites Dei Security Services was focused on the training provided to the 95 Libyan nationals, along with the accreditation of the training camp, the training programme and the training infrastructure at the site. Chauke revealed that the illegal military training camp that was discovered was not the same facility that PSiRA had previously accredited. Located 7.5 km from the accredited facility, is the separate facility. This separate facility was determined to be for illegal military training, due to the presence of fortified trenches, something Chauke noted was not required for security training.

PSiRA confirmed that MDSS was registered and accredited to train security personnel in Security Grades E to C, which could typically take 4 weeks to complete collectively. However, the training provided to the Libyan nationals was of a longer duration and included extensive physical activities with military style structure. The training instructors went as far as to use military ranks. These training instructors were not accredited through PSiRA, and when asked, Chauke revealed they were Libyan nationals, part of the 95 that were apprehended.

Some of the preliminary findings disclosed during the briefing include that no local security grade training was offered, and the training standard was deemed foreign and adopted from other countries. There was a clear contravention of immigration law by both the facility owners and the Libyan nationals. Further, there was no authorisation or exemption granted to MDSS by the National Regulator for Conventional Arms Control (NRCAC), which puts the camp in contravention of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act.

The activities of MDSS, its owners and the personnel at the camp were “in violation of various criminal statutes,” therefore PSiRA indicated the next step in the investigation is the consideration of charges and formal prosecution against those involved.

PSiRA confirmed that as of 6 August 2024, MDSS and its directors were “served with notices of suspensions.”

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In an interview with the SABC on Monday 5 August, the National Commissioner said “intelligence picked them up.”

“Intelligence has been aware for quite some time, they were monitoring as to what exactly is it that is being done on the farm and once they detected what [was] done, then there was intervention,” he said.

The Libyans apparently arrived in South Africa in April after obtaining visas in Tunisia. They have been charged with violating South Africa’s Immigration Act and, after a court appearance in White River on Monday, had their case postponed to 26 August.

The Libyans were apparently in South Africa for security training but were in fact undergoing military training, under a 36-month training course with Milites Dei Security Services (MDSS), according to Rapport. The publication said Milites Dei’s registration was thoroughly checked, but not that of Alama Alowla, the company which sent them.

Visas for 100 applicants were approved and they began training in White River in April, but five were reportedly sent back to Libya due to misconduct. The South African Police Service asked for possible victims to come forward after reports of the Libyans harassing nearby inhabitants.

Libyan sources claim the contract with Milites Dei is worth about R36 million, half of which was paid as a deposit at the start of the contract, with the remainder due on completion, according to Rapport, which said the Libyans were accompanied by an intermediary who disappeared a few weeks ago, leaving the trainees without money and forcing them to sell possessions.

The 95 Libyans sent to South Africa were apparently part of General Khalifa Haftar’s Tariq Ben Zeyad brigade. 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.

Although their visas stated they were in South Africa for security training, the military-style training the Libyans were receiving went against the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) scope that is legally allowed.

Military training would be against the Foreign Military Assistance Act, and Milites Dei was not registered to provide such services.

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Freedom Front Plus (FF+) leader and Correctional Services Minister in the GNU (Government of National Unity), Pieter Groenewald, maintains the arrests at the Milites Dei Security Services (MDSS) facility in White River again shows “government ignorance”.

The White River arrests, the former Commando officer said in a statement, follow “several” Parliamentary questions regarding military training offered by private security companies to foreign groups in the Eastern Cape province. “Each question was met with a negative answer,” he wrote.

Read the full story on defenceWeb here.

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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.

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Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, welcomed the arrest of the Libyan nationals, who reportedly entered the country with visas acquired through misrepresentation in Tunis, Tunisia.

“Following a major joint operation by Home Affairs, [the] South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement authorities, the department is on the ground ensuring that anyone who breached immigration laws is processed through the court. Respect our laws, or there will be consequences,” said the Minister in a statement on Saturday.

The Minister stated the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) had already cancelled the irregularly acquired visas and is working with law enforcement to determine the next steps, including the possibility of deportation. The cancellation of the visas leaves the affected Libyans as “undocumented foreign nationals.”

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, welcomed the arrests and results of the operation, and sought to reassure citizens, saying the SAPS will ensure a thorough investigation is carried out.

“When a team led by SAPS detectives arrived at the farm, they found the Libyans housed in military tents. Military training equipment was also found including licensed firearms. SAPS detectives cannot rule out the possibility that the farm that is accredited as a security training site is allegedly being utilised as an illegal military training camp,” said the SAPS.

“During the takedown operation, police also found dagga and cocaine. Some of the other drugs found in their possession are being sent to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory in Pretoria to identify them as illegal substances,” said Masemola.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu conducted a site visit on Saturday, accompanied by Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale and General Masemola. In a statement on X, Minister Mchunu said, “Thorough investigations by various law enforcement agencies are underway.” In a separate post on Facebook, the Minister noted “The illegal military training base discovered in White River in Mpumalanga had elaborate structures, similar to what one would find at a legitimate military training camp.”

SAPS has stated that although the facility was originally designated as a training facility, it had been converted illegally into a military training base.

The facility is registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) as Security Services by Milites Dei Security Services (MDSS), but is also known as Milites Dei Academy.

PSiRA said it had instructed MDSS to immediately cease all training activities and had deployed its inspectorate to inspect the premises to ensure compliance.

The Milites Dei website notes the company specialises in “military training style learning programmes” and provides courses ranging from “army basic training” to “special forces training style learning programmes.” The website lists the “three months specialist operative” course as their “most popular.”

Daily Maverick reported that the Libyan nationals were “on the payroll of eastern Libyan military strongman General Khalifa Haftar.” It was noted they were sent to the camp due to the academy’s reluctance to conduct training in Libya. This is likely due to a recent discovery of an Irish security firm having provided training in Libya, and act in violation of the UN arms embargo against Libya.

The Libyan nationals are due in court today (Monday 29 July) to face charges relating to the contravention of the Immigration Act.

This is a developing story.

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In a statement on Friday, the SAPS said the operation was carried out in conjunction with the ProvJOINT structure, including the Department of Home Affairs and other role players like Police Intelligence.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, convened the Provincial Joint Structures (ProvJOINTS) two days ago after receiving intelligence information about the suspected camp, which led to a raid on Friday 26 July and subsequent arrests.

Read the full story on defenceWeb here.

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