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The Public Servants Association (PSA) commends the swift action by the South African Police Service in arresting 95 Libyans at an alleged illegal military training site in White River, Mpumalanga.
 
According to widespread media reports, 95 Libyan nationals were allegedly receiving military training at a security training camp in White River. It is alleged that they entered the country with irregular visas that were acquired through misrepresentation in Tunisia, pretending to be on study permits. The PSA appreciates that the SAPS and other law enforcement authorities were on the ground ensuring that anyone who breached immigration laws was swiftly processed through the court.
 
The farm that served as venue in this incident is accredited by the Private Security Regulatory Authority to conduct security training. However, it was suspicious for the 95 foreign nationals from Libya to be housed in makeshift military tents, surrounded by trenches commonly used by military personnel for training. The Minister of the Department of Home Affairs has already cancelled the irregularly acquired visas and is working with other law enforcement authorities to explore all options, including deportation. This was also confirmed by the Minister of Police, who stated that the foreign nationals would be deported if they were not linked to any criminal activities.
 
The PSA welcomes the urgent intervention and multi-disciplinary efforts. The PSA urges government to investigate how the foreign nationals obtained irregular visas and who allowed the use of the farm for these activities. This incident raises a serious threat to the sovereignty of the country. There should be consequence management, and the rule of law must apply. The PSA further requests members of the community to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities to ensure swift interventions.
 

Issued by the Public Servants Association