ActionSA Raises Alarm Over South Africa’s National Security After Deportation of 95 Libyan Militants

ActionSA has expressed deep concerns over South Africa’s national security following the deportation of 95 Libyan militants who were discovered at a covert military training camp in Mpumalanga. With growing fears about the country’s vulnerability to terrorism, ActionSA criticizes the government’s lack of decisive action, warning that South Africa could become a safe haven for terror groups. ActionSA, a prominent political party in South Africa, has voiced significant concerns regarding the state of national security following the recent deportation of 95 Libyan militants. These individuals were found at a secret military training camp in Mpumalanga last month, raising alarms about the country’s security protocols.

The incident comes on the heels of the US Treasury imposing sanctions on two South Africans connected to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). According to ActionSA President Herman Mashaba, the government’s failure to address these pressing security issues is placing the nation at an elevated risk. Mashaba stressed that this incident is part of a broader and more alarming trend of security threats that the government appears ill-equipped to handle.

“Over the weekend, in a hasty deportation, 95 Libyan militants were flown back to Tripoli on a chartered jet. This occurred despite numerous unanswered questions surrounding their activities in South Africa, their entry into the country, and the potential threat they posed,” Mashaba stated.

He further highlighted the growing danger as global terror networks shift focus towards Africa, increasing the threat to regional stability. Mashaba pointed to Mozambique’s ongoing battle with insurgency as a stark reminder of the risks South Africa faces.

“Terrorism knows no borders and demands a proactive and coordinated government response. Unfortunately, the disconcerting lack of action following the discovery of these Libyan militants suggests that neither the president nor the minister in charge of State Security is addressing the gravity of the situation,” Mashaba added.

He emphasized that without clear answers to critical questions—such as the militants’ affiliations, whether they posed a direct threat to national security, and if any state or non-state actors supported their presence—South Africa could dangerously position itself as a safe haven for terrorist groups.

Mashaba concluded by urging the State Security Agency to strengthen its efforts immediately. “The consequences of failing to do so are far too severe. We cannot afford any further breakdown in our capacity to counter both domestic and international threats to peace and security.”

The Department of Home Affairs, meanwhile, confirmed on Sunday that it had completed preparations for the deportation of the 95 Libyans who were arrested in White River, Mpumalanga. Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber praised the efforts of Home Affairs officials and other law enforcement agencies that worked diligently to ensure the swift deportation.

“We will continue to deploy all resources at our disposal to ensure that the country’s immigration laws are respected and observed,” Schreiber stated.