Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
TWO Zimbabwean nationals have died during the ongoing repatriation exercise from South Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has confirmed.
The deaths were disclosed on Thursday by the ministry’s Consular Services Department official, Mr Hillary Muhumbe, while briefing the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, and a United Nations delegation during a tour of the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre.
Mr Muhumbe said one of the deceased died on the South African side while travelling to Beitbridge Border Post, while the second died en route from Beitbridge to Gokwe after arriving in Zimbabwe.
He said the repatriation of Zimbabwean nationals is being coordinated through the country’s Embassy in Pretoria and its Consulates in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
“More partners have come in to assist with transport, venues for processing, and tents to support what Government is already doing at the border,” said Mr Muhumbe.
He said the Embassy was also facilitating the repatriation of the body of the Zimbabwean who died in South Africa to allow the family to conduct burial proceedings at home.
The body is currently at the Musina Government Mortuary.
Mr Muhumbe said the repatriation process is being conducted in accordance with the Vienna Conventions, which guide how countries provide consular assistance and protection to their citizens abroad.
More than 100 000 Zimbabweans have returned from South Africa in recent months, with over 30 000 assisted through the Government-led repatriation programme while more than 70 000 returned independently.
At the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre, returnees receive health screening, meals, temporary accommodation and transport assistance before travelling to their respective home districts.
Government and United Nations officials said they would continue strengthening coordination to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified movement of returning Zimbabweans.
Speaking during the tour, Minister Garwe reaffirmed Government’s commitment to receiving all returnees with dignity and ensuring they have access to essential services upon arrival.
He also commended Government departments, United Nations agencies and other development partners for supporting the repatriation and reintegration programme.
