South African police arrested 95 Libyan nationals in a raid on a suspected secret military training camp. The camp was discovered at a farm in White River, Mpumalanga province, approximately 360 kilometers (220 miles) northeast of Johannesburg. Authorities are investigating whether there are more illegal bases in other parts of the country.

The Libyans claimed they entered South Africa on study visas to train as security guards, but police investigations suggest they received military training. Newzroom Afrika TV broadcast images of the site, revealing a military-style camp with large green tents set up in a row. Dozens of men were seen lining up as they were arrested, all wearing civilian clothing.

Local government officials are continuing their investigations, and the farm owner will be questioned. Authorities have received information about similar secret camps near two other towns in Mpumalanga province, which borders Mozambique and Swaziland. South African authorities are concerned about illegal immigration in this region.

The operation to arrest the Libyans and close down the camp began two days ago. The Libyan nationals had been in the country since at least April. Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, acting provincial commissioner for Mpumalanga, stated that the 95 individuals are currently being questioned by relevant authorities.

While the police and authorities have not explicitly linked the camps to any particular group or conflict, further investigations will determine if there is a network of such camps in South Africa and shed light on their purpose.