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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has commended the collaboration between law-enforcement agencies in the arrest of 95 Libyan nationals at a suspected military training base in Mpumalanga. Mr Cameron emphasised that collaboration should be the cornerstone of crime-fighting efforts as it brings the necessary force multiplier effort and ensures elimination of a silo mentality.
 
Following reports on Friday that a suspected military training base was uncovered in White River, Mpumalanga, leading to the arrest of 95 Libyan nationals, Mr Cameron highlighted the necessity of Crime Intelligence in efforts to eradicate crime in the country. “These arrests highlight how important a functional South African Police Service Crime Intelligence Unit is in the efforts to ensure a safe and secure county. It is unthinkable that foreign national could have the audacity to set up a military training camp in the country,” Mr Cameron said.
 
While investigations are continuing, Mr Cameron emphasised that it is important to collaborate with international counterparts such as the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to ascertain the intentions of setting up the suspected military base. “We need to know to what end the suspected military camp was established, who financed its operations and whether the arrested Libyan nationals have no other criminal activities elsewhere,” Mr Cameron emphasised.
 
Meanwhile, the Chairperson also welcomed the arrest of five men (two South Africans and three Mexicans) in relation to a crystal meth and acetone lab on a farm near Groblersdal. It is reported that chemicals for the manufacture of crystal meth and acetone valued at around R2 billion were seized. “South Africa is facing a serious challenge with substance abuse that leads to many social ills. The arrest of these suspects gives impetus to the fight against drug trafficking in the country and will save many lives,” Mr Cameron said.
 
The Chairperson contended that it was necessary to apprehend the kingpins if South Africa is to be effective in dealing with drug abuse in the country. To this end, the centrality of Crime Intelligence is accentuated as it would uncover the necessary information needed to curtail any illegal action.
 
The Chairperson also welcomed a police raid in KwaZulu-Natal where three suspects were fatally wounded in a shootout with members of the South African Police Service in KwaDlangezwa near Empangeni. The operation is testament to the good work of the track and trace team in KwaZulu-Natal and demonstrates the commitment by police to tackle violent crime.
 
“Swift action by the SAPS in KZN brings hope that one operation at a time we will turn the tide against criminality and violent crime. While crime is still rampant in the country, we are reassured that through such breakthroughs we will eventually attain a safe and secure country that is necessary to drive economic growth and job creation,” Mr Cameron said.
 
The Chairperson highlighted that while these arrests represent a drop in an ocean, it is a welcomed start to push back against crime and criminals.       
 
Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron