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200 Zimbabweans held in Western Cape
2 hrs ago |
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ABOUT 200 undocumented Zimbabwean nationals have been held in detention in Robertson, Western Cape, for more than a month following arrests during a crackdown on undocumented migrants.
The group was arrested in June and July and remains in custody as Zimbabwean activists call on South African authorities to process the detainees and facilitate their repatriation.
The Zimbabwean Civic Movement is among those demanding that the detainees be processed without further delays instead of remaining in custody.
Among those detained is a Zimbabwean couple whose three-year-old daughter has been left in the care of relatives.
Sibonile Shumba said she was struggling to provide for herself while caring for two young children after her sister Sinoneni and her husband, Arthur Moyo, were arrested in July.
The couple has been in custody for about a month, while their three-year-old daughter remains under Sibonile's care.
Other detainees include Zimbabweans who had been working on farms and in construction in the Robertson area.
Seventeen of those arrested reportedly paid fines to secure their release while awaiting deportation. However, they remain in custody at Montagu, Ashton and Bonnievale police stations, while others are still waiting for court appearance dates at the Robertson Correctional Services Centre.
Zimbabwean activists have appealed to the South African Government to expedite the processing of the detainees and allow those who wish to return home to arrange their own repatriation.
The prolonged detention has also raised concerns over the impact on families, particularly children left without their parents while legal and immigration processes are completed.
When approached for comment, the South African Departments of Home Affairs and Correctional Services said they were looking into the matter but could not immediately confirm the processing or deportation status of the individuals.
Activists say they will continue pressing authorities for a swift resolution, arguing that those who have already agreed to return to Zimbabwe should not remain in detention unnecessarily.
The group was arrested in June and July and remains in custody as Zimbabwean activists call on South African authorities to process the detainees and facilitate their repatriation.
The Zimbabwean Civic Movement is among those demanding that the detainees be processed without further delays instead of remaining in custody.
Among those detained is a Zimbabwean couple whose three-year-old daughter has been left in the care of relatives.
Sibonile Shumba said she was struggling to provide for herself while caring for two young children after her sister Sinoneni and her husband, Arthur Moyo, were arrested in July.
The couple has been in custody for about a month, while their three-year-old daughter remains under Sibonile's care.
Other detainees include Zimbabweans who had been working on farms and in construction in the Robertson area.
Seventeen of those arrested reportedly paid fines to secure their release while awaiting deportation. However, they remain in custody at Montagu, Ashton and Bonnievale police stations, while others are still waiting for court appearance dates at the Robertson Correctional Services Centre.
Zimbabwean activists have appealed to the South African Government to expedite the processing of the detainees and allow those who wish to return home to arrange their own repatriation.
The prolonged detention has also raised concerns over the impact on families, particularly children left without their parents while legal and immigration processes are completed.
When approached for comment, the South African Departments of Home Affairs and Correctional Services said they were looking into the matter but could not immediately confirm the processing or deportation status of the individuals.
Activists say they will continue pressing authorities for a swift resolution, arguing that those who have already agreed to return to Zimbabwe should not remain in detention unnecessarily.
Source - eNCA
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