Police say 95 Libyan nationals have been arrested on suspicion of coaching at an “unlawful” navy camp in South Africa.
Police raided the farm close to White River, a city within the northern province of Mpumalanga, on Friday.
They stated they discovered military-style tents, licensed firearms and different navy tools.
Marijuana and cocaine had been additionally discovered on the camp, police stated.
The raid was carried out on Wednesday after police acquired a tip-off.
The Libyans allegedly “lied about themselves” on their visa purposes, saying they’d be skilled as safety guards, based on nationwide police spokesperson Atlunda Matt.
AFP quoted second police spokesman Donald Mdluli as saying the camp was initially registered as a coaching website for safety firms however appeared to have been transformed.
Mdluli added that the proprietor of the safety firm was a South African nationwide and police had been investigating whether or not he had permission to function the positioning as a navy camp.
“We take any risk to the safety and stability of our province and the nation very significantly,” police chief Zeev Mkhwanazi was quoted as saying in a police assertion.
Nonetheless, the identical assertion assured the general public that “there isn’t a direct risk to neighborhood security.”
Libya persistent lack of safety for the reason that overthrow of authoritarian chief Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Analysts say Libyan factions have recruited infantry from sub-Saharan Africa prior to now, and Friday’s developments elevate critical questions on South Africa’s border safety.
95 Libyan nationals have been detained and are being questioned by related authorities.
Police didn’t say whose navy coaching the detainees could also be receiving.
