400 Zimbabweans repatriated from S. Africa

THE first batch of 407 Zimbabweans who were displaced during the xenophobia-motivated attacks in the Chatsworth area of Durban in South Africa left for Zimbabwe last night by road via Beitbridge Border Post in a convoy of six luxury buses and a haulage truck.

They are expected to arrive in Zimbabwe late today.

These were part of the more than 3 000 people housed in nine tents at the Chatsworth holding camp with Mozambican nationals for the past seven days.

The transport was provided by the Government of Zimbabwe to repatriate the victims and their luggage.

The group, comprising 112 woman, 92 children and 203 men, was enthusiastic to go home. The Zimbabwe Embassy assisted them with food and transport.

Speaking during the send-off ceremony, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Isaac Moyo, said the victims had gone through basic vetting to confirm their nationality.

Several people including South African women tried their luck to claim Zimbabwean citizenship without success.

Credit-Thupeyo Muleya, Herald.