Libyan military camp a wake-up call for PSiRA - ISS
The Institute for Security Studies has warned that the secret military training camp in Mpumalanga should serve as a wake-up call for the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA).
The regulator announced on Wednesday that the camp was being operated illegally by Milites Dei Security Services.
Ninety-five Libyan nationals have been arrested on charges related to the Immigration Act.
The PSiRA said the camp’s design and infrastructure supported military-style training and some of the trainers were foreign nationals who used military ranks.
It has since issued MDSS with notices of suspension pending an investigation.
Willem Els, Senior Training Coordinator at ISS, said the State Security Agency also needs to investigate the camp.
"It seems that our authorities were caught napping here. It is really alarming. The challenge that we have is that, is this the only facility in South Africa where this type of training is taking place?
"So that will also have to be investigated by the police. But also, we need better intelligence in terms of the national intelligence and also crime intelligence by the police."
Els also believes that PSiRA needs to be held accountable for its part in the debacle.
"I believe also that PSiRA was also caught napping here. Maybe it's also time that PSIRA up their game.
"We must also look at the oversight procedures that are in place for PSiRA, and maybe it is time that we revisit the legislation and see how we can better facilitate that.”
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