By Everson Luhanga
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu visited a secret military training camp on a farm in White River, Mpumalanga, on Friday.
The minister and other high-profile officials, including two deputy ministers and the national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola, briefed the media before touring the farm.
The 95 Libyan nationals who entered South Africa with visas they got through misrepresentation in Tunisia were arrested. The suspects obtained visas under the pretense that they would be training as security guards in South Africa.
Addressing the media on Saturday, Minister Mchunu said the police were considering the existence of other similar camps.
“Investigations are continuing. We are not going to confine ourselves to what we have established thus far,” he said.
The minister confirmed that the visa application process was violated and that this issue would be resolved.
“While this facility is legal in terms of Psira processes, further scrutiny revealed non-compliance with the application,” he said.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi said they take any threat to the security and stability of the province and the country seriously.
“This operation demonstrates our commitment to acting swiftly and decisively against any activities that could undermine our national interests and ensure the safety of our citizens,” he said.
Mkhwanazi added that the investigation is ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available. The SAPS assured the public that there was no immediate threat to community safety.
The suspects, who are also facing charges of being in the country illegally, will appear at Kabokweni Magistrate Court on Monday.
