Trial of 95 Libyans held in South Africa postponed

A armed South African Police Services (SAPS) officer stands with another near the entrance to a farm where they detained ninety five Libyan nationals for receiving training at what authorities suspect to be a secret military camp in White River, Mpumalanga province on July 27, 2024 [PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images]

A South African court has postponed the case of 95 Libyans arrested at a military-style camp until 26 August to allow time for further investigations.

Local media outlets reported that the detainees are demanding they be repatriated to Libya.

Their defence lawyer said that there had been no talks with Libyan authorities about their return, noting that they had entered South Africa on study and training permits and had a legal contract.

Some 95 Libyan nationals who were previously arrested during a raid on a secret military training camp appeared in court in Gauteng, South Africa, last week.

Police said the Libyans had said they entered the country on student visas to train as security guards, but their investigations indicated that they had received military training.

According to South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority, the Libyan nationals, who were arrested outside the town of White River, about 360 kilometres east of Johannesburg, will be charged with making false statements in their visa applications.

READ: South Africa government to produce 95 Libyans charged with immigration violations in local court

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