adminFrom Thupeyo Muleya in Johannesburg, South Africa
THE last batch of 330 Zimbabweans who were displaced in Durban, South Africa, during the three week-long xenophobic attacks left the neighbouring country yesterday and are expected to reach Zimbabwe today. Zimbabwe’s Consul-General to South Africa, Batiraishe Mukonoweshuro said five buses left Durban at 4PM under the escort of the police and South African Home Affairs Department officials.
He said the group consisting 69 children and 261 adults was the last from Durban.
The Zimbabweans had been housed at Chatsworth and Phoenix transition camps together with Malawians, Mozambicans and Batswana.
Their repatriation brings to 737 the total number of people who have so far been repatriated to Zimbabwe by road via Beitbridge border post in government hired buses.
The first group of 407 arrived in the country on Monday evening and was received by the Civil Protection Unit which offered them counselling and transport to their respective homes.
“We’ve completed documenting our people in Durban and we’ve not had any new cases. These are expected to arrive in Beitbridge tomorrow. We’re also expecting another bus to leave from Primrose transition camp in Johannesburg,” Mukonoweshuro said.
“As the consulate we appreciate the assistance from our host government and the business people in Durban for giving our people shelter.”
Over 4,000 African migrants were displaced in Durban after locals accused them of taking their jobs.
The violence has also claimed the lives of seven people and left several others injured.
Online Reporter