Hawks say probe into illegal Mpumalanga military camp still ongoing

TSHWANE - The Hawks said the probe into an illegal military camp in Mpumalanga, which led to the arrest and deportation of 95 Libyan nationals, was still ongoing.

Earlier in August, following multiple court appearances, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew its case of contravention of the Immigration Act against the cohort, subsequently handing the group to the Department of Home Affairs for deportation.

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The NPA attributed this move, which sparked public outcry, to a lack of evidence to proceed with prosecution.

On Sunday, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, briefed the media on progress made during the first quarter of this financial year.

Among some of the pertinent issues discussed was that of the White River-based illegal military training camp, which is still fully operational despite the discovery of military-grade equipment, contraband, and drugs.

DPCI director, Godfrey Lebeya, assured citizens that their safety remained a priority, and a comprehensive investigation was underway.

"A part of that, [the] investigation is continuing. It may not necessarily relate to the individuals who were receiving training but the institution itself and the activities taking place there."

Meanwhile, provincial police reiterated that more arrests were imminent in the matter.