Zimbabwe repatriates citizens fleeing SA unrest

Published: 2 hours ago

Seventy-four Zimbabwean nationals returned home on Sunday after fleeing attacks in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, amid growing concerns over violence targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.

The group arrived at Beitbridge Border Post aboard a government-arranged bus following a repatriation exercise coordinated by Zimbabwean authorities through the country's embassy in South Africa.

Upon arrival, the returnees were received by officials from the Department of Social Development, Immigration authorities and other border agencies, who began providing immediate assistance.

According to reports, the returnees will receive counselling, food support and transport assistance to help them reconnect with their families and communities. Authorities also indicated that psychosocial assessments would be conducted to support those affected by the violence.

The repatriation follows reports of attacks targeting migrants in Mossel Bay, which has emerged as one of the hotspots in a recent wave of unrest affecting foreign nationals in South Africa.

As tensions continue in several provinces, the Zimbabwean Embassy in South Africa has urged citizens living in the country to remain vigilant and prioritise their safety.

The embassy advised Zimbabweans to avoid areas experiencing unrest, carry identification documents at all times and report any threats or incidents to local police or the nearest Zimbabwean diplomatic mission.

The latest return of Zimbabwean nationals highlights growing concerns about the safety of migrant communities in South Africa, where protests and attacks directed at foreign nationals have left many displaced and living in fear.

Last week, South African authorities activated the National Joint Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) to coordinate a response to the unrest and monitor developments affecting migrant communities across the country.

Beitbridge Border Post, Zimbabwe's busiest inland port of entry, has frequently served as the main reception point for citizens returning from South Africa during periods of xenophobic violence and social unrest.

The Zimbabwean government says it remains committed to assisting nationals affected by violence and instability abroad while continuing to monitor the situation through its diplomatic missions.
- The South African