South African Prosecutors Withdraw Charges Against 95 Libyan Nationals

#South Africa
South African Prosecutors Withdraw Charges Against 95 Libyan Nationals

Loveworld / 55 mins

August 16, 2024

1 min read

South African prosecutors have withdrawn charges against 95 Libyan nationals arrested last month in Mpumalanga province. The individuals were initially apprehended at what police described as an illegal military training camp, where firearms and ammunition were reportedly seized.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced on Thursday that there was insufficient evidence to pursue the case further. The only charge initially brought against the group was a violation of immigration laws, according to NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa.
The accused, who entered South Africa on study visas, had claimed they were receiving security training, not military training. Following the withdrawal of charges, their lawyer, Nico du Plessis, indicated that the men are expected to be deported back to Libya within the next 48 hours.
The men have been transferred to immigration officials and remain hopeful about their return. Du Plessis noted that while the charges have been dropped, the investigation into their alleged military training is ongoing.