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SA 'deportations are inhumane,' says Zim govt
03 Oct 2014 at 06:27hrs | Views
THE Zimbabwe government has slammed the South African government for ill treating Zimbabwe deportees which followed an announcement by the neighbouring country that it would flush out illegal Zimbos staying in that country without permits.
The South African government announced over the weekend that it was resuming the deportation of illegal immigrants from Zimbabwe after a five-year moratorium, but the matter in which deportees are treated has been widely criticized by human rights groups across Southern Africa.
Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi yesterday said he had received reports that Zimbabweans were being picked from the streets and bundled into vans before they are deported.
But he claims that he had engaged his South African counterpart Malusi Gigaba on a recent visit to the neighbouring country and stressed the need to observe human rights when carrying out deportations.
"I did indicate to South Africa that the deportations are inhumane, in the first place," said Mohadi. "You don't treat humans like that, round them up from the streets, bundle them in vans to Lindela Repatriation Centre and deport to Zimbabwe.
They (deportees) will then make representations because you realise that those who have just arrived and those who have been working in South Africa for a long time, some with families, are rounded up. It would be better to let them talk to their families and get their property."
He said besides the deportations, he discussed the renewal of work permits under a special dispensation and the possibility of new registrations.
In 2010, South Africa registered about 245 000 Zimbabweans under the Zimbabwe Special Permits (ZSP) programme.
The permits are due to expire in December, but the South African government has opened a window for renewals for a further four years.
Source - Herald
