On 26 July, 95 men – all Libyans – were taken into custody during a police raid on an apparently illegal military training camp in White River, South Africa (about 360 km east of Johannesburg, near the Mozambique border). The Libyans entered South Africa in April on study permits to train as security officers. They were due to return home in December. The men are accused of violating immigration regulations, providing false information to obtain visas and committing crimes around the camp.
On the same day, the Government of National Unity (GNU) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued a written statement denying that there was any connection between the detainees and the GNU. The Military Attorney General and the Libyan Embassy in South Africa were instructed to gather information about the case. The GNU said they are ready to support South Africa’s investigations.
Government of National Stability (GNS) MFA Abd al-Hadi al-Hawaij, on the other hand, stated that they are following the situation, will provide legal assistance to the detained Libyans and are trying to ensure that the conditions of detention are appropriate.
On 27 July, the South African Home Affairs Department announced that the 95 arrested Libyans had obtained their visas in Tunisia using false information. The visas have now been cancelled and the deportation of the Libyans to their home country is being considered.
On 28 July, the Saudi Arabia-based TV channel Al Arabiya Al Hadath claimed that the 95 Libyans detained by the South African police at a military training camp belonged to Force 2020, which is part of the Tariq Bin Ziyad Brigade of the Libyan National Army (LNA).
On 29 July, the 95 Libyans were summoned to court in White River. They were charged with making false statements on their visa applications. Further charges are still being investigated. The trial has been adjourned until 5 August. The suspects remain in custody.