On 5 February 2013, the Special Task Force Unit of the South African Police Service arrested 19 members of an alleged Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) rebel movement in a remote area in Limpopo.
It is alleged that the objective of the group was to receive specialised military related training to overthrow the current DRC Government, under the leadership of President Joseph Kabila. At this stage, no links have been established between the accused and M23.
The accused are expected to appear in the Pretoria Regional Court on 7 February 2013 on charges of contravening section 2 and 3 of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act 15 of 1998. To date, no South Africans have been linked to the alleged crimes. Further arrests are however possible.
Enquiries:
Makhosini Nkosi, NPA Media Relations
Cell: 082 824 2576
