A tense scene unfolded at the White River Magistrates Court on Monday as 95 Libyan men who were arrested for operating an unsanctioned paramilitary encampment in rural Mpumalanga vociferously demanded repatriation to their homeland.
Charged with contravening the Immigration Act following their apprehension at the end of July, the detainees defiantly refused remand into custodial confinement after their hearing was deferred, erupting into agitated entreaties of "Libya! Libya! Libya!" and insistent requests for provisions of food and cigarettes.
The men claim they were recruited by a Libyan tycoon who funded their trip to South Africa for training purposes. However, they allege that they were misled and are now facing unfair treatment in South African prisons.
“If SA doesn't want us, let us go home then,” one of the men said through an interpreter.
As the men are Muslim, they expressed their dissatisfaction with the living conditions and treatment they are receiving at the Barberton prison. They said they are being given non-halaal food which is against their religious beliefs and the treatment they receive from Correctional Services officials is unfair.
“As they are Muslim people from Libya, they need certain requirements that you and I don’t,” said defence attorney Mr Kassen who was speaking on behalf of all the 95 accused.
Prior to their arrest, a multidisciplinary team comprising police and Home Affairs officials discovered the illegal camp on a farm used for security guard training. Authorities also found military-grade firearms and contraband on the farm.
Nico du Plessis who is he men's advocate told eNCA that the men were in the country on a study permit and training and that they had a contract reflecting this. He said they would cooperate with law enforcement and would remain at the Nelspruit prison until their next appearance on August 26.
Du Plessis said his instructing attorney was busy discussing with home affairs officials and the state to hopefully secure their release. He said they had not yet been in contact with anyone from Libya on their behalf.
The matter was not addressed in court on Monday but the accused will now be transferred to the Mbombela Correctional Facility which is 45 minutes away and they will be locked there until their next appearance. Their case has been postponed to the end of August.
