Case withdrawn against 95 Libyan nationals

The state has withdrawn the case against the 95 Libyan nationals who were arrested at a secret military training camp in Mpumalanga. They were arrested near White River after police received a tip-off.

The men briefly appeared in the White River Magistrates Court on Thursday, where they were charged with a single count of contravention of the Immigration Act.

“The Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Sonja Ntuli reviewed all available evidence and the representations made on behalf of the accused and, having considered the evidence and policy considerations, has decided to withdraw the charges preferred against all accused,” said Monica Nyuswa, NPA spokesperson in Mpumalanga.

“Having worked closely with all relevant stakeholders in the criminal justice system, it has been decided that these matters will be dealt with administratively in term of the Immigration Act and its regulations by department of home affairs officials.”

Nyuswa added the NPA has now set its sights on the planners, organisers and financiers of the training facility.

The 95 Libyans are now in the custody of the Department of Home Affairs, who welcomed the decision and says Libyans can now be deported.

‘’Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has instructed the Department to proceed with speed, while observing all the legal processes to ensure that the deportations are conducted swiftly. Consequently, Home Affairs officials are in court to secure the confirmations for deportation from the Magistrate. This will pave the way for their deportation. They are also finalising logistics for the deportation. As indicated earlier, deportation was among the options Home Affairs considered working with other law enforcement authorities. The Department stands ready to send the group back to their home country,’’ said Duwayne Esau, Spokesperson to the Minister.

“We will not hesitate to act decisively to ensure that anyone who breaches the immigration laws of the country is processed through the courts and accordingly faces the consequences. Respect for the rule of law is sacrosanct,” he added.

 

Done By: Sihle Jezile