The illegal military training base discovered in the small farming town of White River in Mpumalanga is suspected to be behind the high rates of rape cases in surrounding areas.
The training base was uncovered in a joint operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS), Home Affairs, and police intelligence on Friday.
At least 95 visa-holding foreign nationals were arrested on site.
Donald Mdhluli, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, said the investigations will also zoom into the link between rape cases in Masoyi, near the camp, and the training centre.
Spate of rapes, victims said perpetrators were of Asian origin
“When you are at that camp you could see the houses not far from the camp. This is where we have scores of cases reported, including rape and other cases. … The complainants indicate that they were reportedly raped by foreign nationals [in the cases]. They also indicated that they were of Asian origin,” said Mdhluli.
He said they paid close attention to the outcry. They plan to take all foreign nationals to courts to face the full might of the law before they are deported back to their countries.
Mdhluli stated that the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (Psira) had advised that the site be designated for security training. However, police observations reveal that it is a military training base.
“Also, it seems from preliminary investigation, that these guys applied for visas from Home Affairs. The department indicated that they got visa to study and train as security guards,” said Mdhluli.
He said the person who was also found directing the training also did not have authority to train people for military.
Suspects were being trained as security guards
Mdhluli said the police will also investigate where all the trainees were to be placed after training.
He said Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi indicated that this was an urgent matter. It needed to be uncovered swiftly for the safety of community members.
“We take any threat to the security and stability of our province and country very seriously.
“This operation demonstrates our commitment to acting swiftly and decisively against any activities that could undermine our national interests. And to ensure the safety of our citizens. Because that is our primary mandate,” said Mkhwanazi.
