For weeks, migrant families camped outside the Department of Home Affairs offices in Durban have endured harsh conditions as they wait for answers about their future.
Image: XOLILE MTEMBU
For weeks, migrant families camped outside the Department of Home Affairs offices in Durban have endured harsh conditions as they wait for answers about their future.
Among them is Bishop Raphael Bahebwa, who said the group was allegedly pepper sprayed.
Surrounded by makeshift sleeping areas and living in uncertainty, he said the group has not received clarity on what will happen next.
"We are waiting for the South African government to tell us what the next step will be, because they are the ones who brought us here to Home Affairs. Since they left us here, we are still waiting," he said.
The bishop described what he alleged as a frightening incident that unfolded late at night earlier this week, leaving children distressed and families demanding answers.
He claimed that a security guard allegedly discharged pepper spray near the area where the migrants are staying.
"One of the security guards used pepper spray, and the children were badly affected. They were crying for almost two hours," he said.
Bahebwa alleged that many of the children had never experienced anything similar before and struggled to cope with the effects of the spray. He described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking, with families unable to shield young children from the discomfort as the wind allegedly carried the spray through the camp.
He said more than 20 children are currently staying at the site alongside their parents. For many, the uncertainty of life outside the Home Affairs offices has been compounded by concerns over security and living conditions.
Bahebwa said the alleged incident had strengthened the group's call for intervention from authorities, arguing that the welfare of children should be a priority.
"We want justice about this, because it was not only about us. We were affected, but what about our children? We have more than 20 children here, and when the wind was blowing, everyone was crying, especially the children. If the government still cares about our safety, that is what we are mainly asking for," he said.
Asukulu Itabelo, a migrant from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), told IOL that the hardships began long before the families arrived outside Home Affairs. He alleged that migrants seeking assistance were turned away when they approached authorities for help.
"We are passing through a very horrible situation. It started on 18 May when we were seeking protection at a police station. We expected help from the police, but they chased us away with bullets, and many of us were injured," he said.
The camp has become home to dozens of people who say they have been unable to work while the situation remains unresolved. Many are worried about supporting their families and meeting their financial obligations.
Itabelo said the economic impact has been devastating.
"Many of us have lost our jobs, our salons have been closed, and our people are not working," he said.
According to the migrants, many of those camped outside Home Affairs are breadwinners who are struggling to pay rent, buy food and provide for their children.
IOL has reached out to the police for comment.
IOL News