Psira considering legal action against Libyans’ ‘military’ trainers

August 7, 2024 49

The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira) says it’s considering legal action against the services providers and individuals linked to the illegal military training camp that made headlines in Mpumalanga last month.

Psira held a media briefing today to update the public on their investigations on the alleged secret military camp that was discovered in White River, where 95 Libyans were arrested.

The Libyan nationals, who are accused of contravening the Immigration Act, allegedly entered the country under the guise of coming to train as security guards.

According to the Home Affairs Department, the Libyans acquired their visas through misrepresentation in Tunisia.

The security regulatory body confirmed that the training facility is illegal and uncredited instructors used false military ranks.

Some of the findings revealed that:

The training programme and duration that was offered there, was longer than the normal accredited training.
Some of the instructors were also non-South Africans.
The training standard of the training was foreign or adopted from another country.
The owners of the military-styled facility contravened the country’s Immigrations Act.

Psira CEO, Manabela Chauke, says the owners of Milites Dei Security Services, the company in the centre of the storm, have been served with letters of suspension from the organisation.

The security regulatory body also revealed that the camp, where the Libyan nations were found was situated not far from a legitimate security training facility.

He details how they became aware of the training camp.

As investigations continue into what the Libyans’ true intention was in the country, they are expected back in court on the 26th of this month.

During their last court appearance on Monday, chaotic scenes played out, as the suspects demanded to be sent back to Libya and refused to be taken back to their holding cells, claiming innocence.

Written by: Nokwazi Qumbisa

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