Snl24 | ‘Libyan military base in SA’: Calls for tough action!

Police arrested Libyan nationals at this suspected military base in Mpumalnaga. Photo by Bulelwa Ginindza

THE ANC Youth League has condemned the establishment of a military camp by Libyans in Mpumalanga as a blatant violation of South Africa’s sovereignty, laws, and commitment to peace and stability.

League spokeswoman Zama Khanyase described this as an act of aggression that cannot be overlooked or excused.

“The establishment of a military camp without permission not only disrespects our laws, but also threatens the very fabric of our nation,” she stated.

Khanyase expressed deep concern that such activities could potentially destabilise the region and lead to a breakdown of public order. She welcomed the prompt action taken by the Mpumalanga police and the ProvJoint structure, including the Department of Home Affairs and Police Intelligence, in arresting the 95 Libyans involved in this illegal activity.

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The arrests occurred at a suspected military base on Pebbles Farm outside White River, Mpumalanga, on Friday, 26 July.

These individuals have been in South Africa since April 2024, entering through OR Tambo International Airport on visas that permitted them to undertake security training in the country.

Mpumalanga police spokesman Colonel Donald Mdluli reported that the arrests followed tips about a group gathering at a site allegedly for security training.

Khanyase commended the police’s swift response and praised them, stating that this was a testament to the strength of South Africa’s security forces and their unwavering commitment to protecting the nation.

“We commend the authorities for their dedication and professionalism in handling this sensitive and potentially dangerous situation. The arrest of these individuals sends a clear message that South Africa will not tolerate any activities that compromise its sovereignty or security,” she said.

She emphasised that it is crucial for those responsible to be held accountable for their actions and face the full might of the law.

Khanyase expects the Libyan government to cooperate fully in resolving this matter and to take steps to prevent its nationals from engaging in such illegal activities in the future.

Furthermore, she called on Home Affairs to conduct a thorough review of the immigration status of the arrested individuals.

“It has come to our attention that these nationals entered South Africa under false pretenses, using study visas to gain entry into our country. This is a serious breach of our immigration laws and highlights the need for stricter verification processes and oversight,” Khanyase added.

ActionSA has raised concerns about “domestic intelligence failures” in South Africa following the arrest of Libyan and Mexican nationals.

The latter were apprehended for operating a drug manufacturing facility valued at R2 billion.

Herman Mashaba, president of ActionSA, criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for not fulfilling his promises to reform the intelligence services during his seven-year tenure.

Mashaba highlighted that key positions in the intelligence services remain vacant and reforms to divide the service into foreign and domestic branches have not been implemented.

Mashaba also pointed out that the allowance of 95 Libyans to receive military training and the long-term operation of a drug manufacturing facility underscore the ongoing issues within South Africa’s intelligence services.

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) also condemned the discovery of a military base, citing it as just one instance of the various illegal activities occurring in Mzansi. 

ATM spokesman Zama Ntshona expressed concerns about the country’s alleged role in funding terrorist groups.

He noted that some individuals or groups running spaza shops have been identified globally as supporters of these groups.

Ntshona emphasised that the discovery of a training camp further raises concerns about South Africa potentially harbouring criminals and terrorists.

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