Mpumalanga illegal military camp: NPA not ruling out possibly of more arrests

WHITE RIVER - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has not ruled out the possibility of more arrests in the case of 95 Libyan nationals linked to an illegal military training camp in Mpumalanga.

On Monday, the group appeared in the White River Magistrates Court on charges of violating the country's Immigration Act.

They allegedly made false representations on their visa applications and obtained study permits to become security guards but instead allegedly received military training.

They were arrested during a police operation last week at a farm.

On Monday, the matter was postponed due to a language barrier and the court seeks an Arabic-speaking translator in order to proceed.

Despite an already high number of suspects, both the police and NPA have not ruled out the possibility of more arrests being made, including that of the owner of the farm.

According to police, the farm is registered as a training facility for security guards. However, due to the discovery of military-grade equipment, questions surrounding this have emerged.

“The owner of the farm can be added as one of the accused in the matter. So, at this stage, investigations are still ongoing,” said Mpumalanga NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa.

The suspects are remanded in custody and will return to court next Monday.

Meanwhile, the operations at the Mpumalanga farm are continuing unmonitored, despite the discovery and the immediate suspension of the illegal military camp.
  
On the sidelines of proceedings, police confirmed to Eyewitness News that despite the damning discovery of the illegal military camp, the farm continues to operate as normal.
 
“We cannot rush to arrest without finalising our investigation,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdluli.
 
He echoed the sentiments of the NPA, adding that more arrests were possible.