No evidence of criminality committed by 95 Libyan nationals arrested: MP police
Last month, the group was arrested while allegedly receiving military training while on a farm in White River.
95 Libyans arrested in Mpumalanga, South Africa, for contravening the Immigration Act. Picture: Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Mpumalanga police say there was no evidence of criminality committed by 95 Libyan nationals who were arrested in connection with the discovery of an illegal military camp.
Last month, the group was arrested while allegedly receiving military training while on a farm in White River.
The group was subsequently arrested and charged with contravening the Immigration Act.
On Thursday, they appeared before the White River Magistrates Court where the National Director of Public Prosecutions in the province decided to withdraw the case against the Libyan nationals.
The withdrawal means the 95 Libyans will return to their home country.
The group is now in the custody of the Home Affairs Department.
Police said although their investigations were extensive, the evidence was not enough to keep the group behind bars.
“You cannot arrest a person as a punishment,” said provincial police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli.
On the other hand, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said continuing with the case would’ve proven futile.