NPA drops charges against 95 Libyans who now face deportation

By Alicia Mmashakana

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Mpumalanga on Thursday withdrew its case against the 95 Libyan nationals who were found to have been undergoing military training in the province while on study visas.

The National Prosecuting Authority said there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the men.

“The only charge that was brought to the NPA was that of the contravention of the Immigration Act against the 95 Libyan nationals,” said NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa.

Defence lawyer Nico Du Plessis said they welcome the NPA’s withdrawal of charges

“They [clients] are very happy that the charges have been withdrawn against them, it is what we expected. I think that matter is still under investigation, as far as we know we had security training,” said du Plessis.

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has instructed the Department to proceed with speed, while observing all the legal processes to ensure