Londile Moyo
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
Seventy-four Zimbabweans repatriated by Government through the Embassy in South Africa arrived in the country via Beitbridge Border Post this Sunday morning, following xenophobia-motivated attacks in Mossel Bay in Western Cape province.
The group arrived aboard a single bus and was received by officials from the Department of Social Development, Immigration, and other border agencies.
Authorities said the returnees will undergo counselling and receive social support before being transported to their respective homes across the country.
The repatriation comes at the height of protests and attacks on migrants in parts of South Africa, with Mossel Bay among the areas that have reported violence targeting foreign nationals.
The Department of Social Development said returnees will be assessed and provided with psychosocial support, food, and transport assistance to help them reintegrate with their families and communities.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Embassy in South Africa has issued a safety advisory urging Zimbabweans in the country to remain vigilant amid continued protests and attacks on migrants by locals across various provinces.
The Embassy advised nationals to avoid areas of unrest, carry identification documents at all times, and report any threats or incidents to the nearest police station or Zimbabwean mission.
Beitbridge, as Zimbabwe’s busiest inland port and gateway along the North-South Corridor, has in recent years received several groups of returnees during periods of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
In a recent statement the country’s Embassy in South Africa said the Government remains committed to assisting citizens affected by such incidents abroad.
Last week South Africa activated its National Joint Intelligence Structure [NATJOINTS] to address the issues around violent protest that have left several migrants dead, injured and displaced.
Online Reporter