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The National Prosecuting Authority has withdrawn charges against ninety five Libyan nationals who were arrested and charged for contraventions of the immigration act.
This comes after acting director of public prosecutions Sonja Ntuli reviewed all available evidence and the representations made on behalf of the accused.
“Having considered the evidence and policy considerations, she decided to withdraw the charges preferred against all accused who were arrested at the military training camp in July,” confirmed NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa.
According to Nyuswa, the charges related to alleged misrepresentations made by the accused in their applications for study visas and that there were more serious allegations that police needed to look into.
She stated that having worked with all relevant stakeholders in the criminal justice system, it has been decided that these matters will be dealt with administratively in terms of the immigration act and its regulations by the department of home affairs officials.
Nyuswa added; “The police are proceeding with investigations against the planners, organisers and financiers of the military training camp. The NPA is working closely with the DPCI to ensure that these alleged criminals are brought to justice as appropriate.
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“The NPA has coordinated with its criminal justice partners and the ninety five accused will be under the custody of the department of home affairs that will facilitate the deportation process.”
Meanwhile, the department of home affairs says it welcomes the court’s decision to proceed with deportation while observing all the legal processes to ensure that the [deportation] are conducted swiftly.
Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said home affairs officials are in court to secure the confirmations for deportation from the magistrate.
Schreiber highlighted that this will pave the way for deportation as they are also finalising logistics for the deportation.
“As indicated earlier, deportation was among the options home affairs considered working with other law enforcement authorities. the department stands ready to send the group back to their home country.
“We will not hesitate to act decisively to ensure that anyone who breaches. The immigration laws of the country is processed through the courts and accordingly faces the consequences,” the minister stated.
