95 Libyans arrested in Mpumalanga deported via Kruger Airport

The 95 Libyan nationals, who were arrested at a suspected military base camp near White River in Mpumalanga last month, have left the country via the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

They were handed over to the Home Affairs Department, following the withdrawal of their cases by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on Thursday.

Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber has praised his department’s officials for ensuring a smooth deportation process.

“I wish to commend the Home Affairs officials and other law enforcement officers. We work tirelessly to ensure the expenditures processes and deportation. We will continue to deploy all resources that are at our disposal to ensure that South Africa’s immigration laws are respected and observed at all times.”

Their arrest came after the Home Affairs Department raised concerns about a group of foreign nationals who may have misrepresented themselves when applying for visas to enter the country.

It is alleged that they came into the country to train as security personnel since April this year. However, the police say it looks like the group has been doing military training.

95 Libyan nationals have been deported: