4th Zimbabwean die from anti-immigrant violence in South Africa

The death toll from violent attacks on immigrants last month in Chavani village outside Elim in Limpopo has risen to four.

Zimbabwe Consul General Melody Chaurura confirmed Monday that Zimbabwean national Tops Mutanho had succumbed to his injuries on 26 September.

"Mutanho, a male Zimbabwe national from Chivi area village, succumbed to injuries sustained from mob justice after he was said to have been found in possession of stolen copper cables," said Chaurura.

Two of the other victims who were at first said by police to have been burnt beyond recognition, have now been identified as Johan Munago and Amon Munago, both from Chivi in Masvingo. The third victim is yet to be identified. More than 200 people fled into the bush after the attacks on 18 September.

Chaurura said the victims had not yet been repatriated because of pending forensic investigations.

Dockets relating to the cases were opened at Waterval Police Station but no-one has been arrested.

Thomas Shonhai, a relative of the Munago brothers, told Groundup that he had been told by the community that they had been found in possession of stolen solar panels and cables. "

The angry community beat them until the two led the community to the person who sold them the solar panels. The accused denied stealing the solar panels. During the mix of things the accused managed to escape, leaving the Munagos in trouble," said Shonhai.

Shonhai is living from piece jobs and says he cannot afford to repatriate his relatives.

The Zimbabwean consulate says it has offered repatriation to families affected by the violence, but has no budget for repatriation of the dead.

Chaurura said the consulate would keep working with local authorities to ensure the protection of Zimbabwean nationals and temporary shelter for the displaced families. She said the consulate had identified 113 Zimbabweans affected by the violence but some had not been counted as they were still in hiding.

Herman Moyana from the Red Cross said the organisation was waiting for donations so as to be able to continue provide food to the displaced families. Meanwhile psychosocial services had been made available, he said.