Undocumented Zimbabwean nationals prepare for their journey home as community tensions rise in AbaQulusi.
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Undocumented Zimbabwean nationals living in the AbaQulusi Local Municipality are expected to return home on Wednesday. The group, which locals do not want in the community due to their immigration status, is said to have organised their own transport and wishes to return to Zimbabwe.
AbaQulusi Local Municipality mayor, Sifiso Mkhwanazi, said that they were facing the same national problem of foreign nationals.
“There are people from Zimbabwe who wish to return home, so we are assisting, in collaboration with the police, to help them return home. (On Monday), they slept here in the hall to find shelter. Now, we are moving them to a place where they will stay while waiting for the buses that have been arranged for them to leave, because the community is unhappy since they entered illegally. Therefore, they cannot stay in community halls because the community wants to use them,” Mkhwanazi said.
“We have arranged tents for them to set up camp there. But it is painful because there are also small children here, as you can see, but there is nothing we can do. We must protect them so they can return home safely.”
AbaQulusi Local Municipality Mayor Sifiso Mkhwanazi is coordinating humanitarian efforts to ensure the safe repatriation of undocumented Zimbabwean nationals.
Image: Screenshot
Mkhwanazi said they hope buses will arrive on Wednesday to transport them home.
“However, we will ensure that the police patrol to keep them safe until they return home (on Wednesday),” Mkhwanazi added.
Meanwhile, the Border Management Authority (BMA) reported that a crash occurred near Beitbridge on Tuesday, involving a bus transporting foreign nationals for repatriation.
The bus, travelling from Durban to Musina, was carrying 65 passengers who were enroute to be processed by the relevant authorities before being facilitated through the Beitbridge Port of Entry as part of the repatriation process.
In response to rising community tensions in AbaQulusi, undocumented Zimbabwean nationals are making preparations to return home.
Image: Screenshot
BMA said preliminary reports indicated the bus driver tragically lost his life in the accident. Seven passengers sustained injuries and were attended to by emergency medical personnel before being transported for further medical treatment.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. On behalf of the Border Management Authority, I extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased driver during this difficult time. We also wish the injured passengers a full and speedy recovery and thank all emergency responders and law enforcement officials who acted swiftly to provide assistance at the scene,” said BMA acting commissioner Major General (Rtd) David Chilembe.