By Everson Luhanga
- General Fannie Masemola says no evidence of illegal Lesotho military camps has been found during police raids so far.
- Both countries’ intelligence teams are working together after Lesotho police chief raised alarm over armed camps in South Africa.
General Fannie Masemola says no evidence of illegal Lesotho military camps has been found during police raids so far.
Both countries’ intelligence teams are working together after Lesotho police chief raised alarm over armed camps in South Africa.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Lesotho police have launched a joint investigation into claims of illegal military camps being set up on South African soil.
This comes after Lesotho’s Police Commissioner, Advocate Borotho Matsoso, raised the alarm about the possible presence of armed groups linked to Lesotho in South Africa.
South African Police Service National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed that police intelligence units in both countries are working together to track down any possible camps.
Masemola discussed the matter at a Board of Commissioners meeting held in Pretoria on 26 July. The meeting included all nine provincial commissioners, divisional heads and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks.
So far, no illegal camps have been found, despite several raids on farms flagged by intelligence. The Hawks’ Crimes Against the State (CATS) unit has been searching the areas but has not uncovered any proof.
Masemola said he spoke directly with Commissioner Matsoso, and both agreed to step up investigations. Intelligence operatives from both countries are now active on the ground.
“The safety and security of everyone living in South Africa is our top priority,” said Masemola. “Anyone breaking the law will be dealt with.”
Police urged South Africans not to panic, saying there is no confirmed threat yet. But they promised to act swiftly if illegal activity is uncovered.
The investigations come exactly 12 months after police in Mpumalanga arrested 95 Libyan nationals at a farm in White River for breaking immigration laws who were said to have been running an illegal military camp
They lied on their visa applications, saying they were coming to South Africa to train as security guards. Police think they were getting military training instead.
Pictured above: SAPS General Fannie Masemola.
Image source: SAPS media unit
