Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has commended all the law enforcement agencies that worked together in an operation that uncovered another suspected camp on the Modimolle farm in Limpopo, where several firearms were confiscated.
On August 8, the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, alongside State Security, the Public Order Police (POP), Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Tactical Response Team (TRT), and Modimolle Vispol, conducted a successful raid on an alleged firearm training facility.
It is claimed that several licensed rifles, a pistol, and a sizeable quantity of ammunition thought to have been used in the facility’s training exercises were seized as a result of this operation, which was sparked by a tip-off received by the Hawks.
The identification of military-related training materials and activities raises grave concerns that cannot be disregarded, even though the precise goal of the training at this site is still being looked into.
Mchunu hailed the enforcement agencies and further stated that they prioritised public safety and security, ensuring that investigations are supported by relevant law enforcement agencies.
“The swift and co-ordinated response by these specialised units showcases the commitment and diligence of our law enforcement agencies in protecting our communities from potential threats. While no arrests have been made at this time, the authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.”
It was further revealed that in a separate incident on Saturday afternoon, a man was fatally wounded after he shot at police officers in the Community Service Centre of the Richmond police station in KwaZulu-Natal.
This follows the bust of 95 Libyan nationals who were arrested at a secret military camp in Mpumalanga.
It was reported that the suspects had been charged by the NPA with violating the Immigration Act, and the agency is reportedly looking for an Arabic interpreter for their next court date.
According to the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA), in its investigation, it found that the military-style training camp was run illegally and that the instructors were allegedly not accredited. Further, it found a second training facility only a few kilometres away.
This discovery sparked a range of responses from the public, including concerns about safety expressed by political parties.
The ACDP was among the parties that spoke out about the camp and urged the NPA, State Security, Home Affairs and police to swiftly complete their investigations into a breach of South Africa’s security, border control and immigration laws, similar to PSiRA, and to publicly disclose their findings. | The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za