The South African Government will deport over 1 350 Zimbabweans starting today, 800 of them by train as it seeks to clear illegal immigrants and decongest Lindelani Repatriations Holding Centre in Johannesburg.
It stopped deporting illegal immigrants by train 10 years ago and has been using buses and trucks until the recent decision that authorities said was meant to cut deportation costs.
Lindela is one of South Africa’s largest facilities for holding undocumented migrants, most of whom will be waiting for determination of their legal status in South Africa (or deportation).
Detainees are repatriated and transported by the Home Affairs Ministry, almost on a daily basis to border posts or the OR Tambo International and Lanseria Airports.
Zimbabwe’s Consul General to South Africa, Mr Batiraishe Mukonoweshuro, confirmed the developments yesterday.
“We have completed the documentation of 1 350 Zimbabweans at Lindelani centre who are now due for repatriation.
“The first batch of 440 will arrive in Zimbabwe tomorrow (today) in a convoy of eight buses while the remaining 800 will leave Johannesburg by train for Beitbridge on Tuesday next week,” he said.
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