Zimbabwe takes over deportation centres

Government has taken over the management of reception and support centres in Beitbridge and Plumtree where illegal immigrants deported from South Africa and Botswana are left, a senior official has said.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has been playing a leading role since the establishment of the two centres in 2006 and 2008 respectively.

Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Ngoni Masoka said the development was with effect from January 1.

He said at the moment they were in a transition period where IOM and Government were working together on technical issues until Government completes the takeover at the end of this month.