South Africa to investigate ill-treatment of Zimbabwe Refugees

By Tichaona Sibanda
10 October 2005

A South African government minister has promised to investigate cases of rampant abuse of Zimbabwean refugees by authorities in that country.

Home Affairs minister Novisiwe Mapisa-Nqakula last week met a group of Zimbabwe activists in Johannesburg and gave them assurances that all refugees from Zimbabwe will be treated fairly.

Last month activists in South Africa took to the streets to demonstrate against the way Zimbabwe refugees were being treated. The activists, led by Remember Moyo of the Zimbabwe Action Support Group, handed over a petition to the minister pointing out a number of their concerns.

They gave the minister 30 days to respond to their grievances. Some of the issues raised by the activists in their petition included the spate of fatal shootings against Zimbabwe refugees in Johannesburg.

At least three Zimbabwe refugees have been shot dead by the South African police during stop and search raids against illegal immigrants. Two others were seriously wounded by gunfire and are still recuperating in hospital.

Mapisa-Nqakula also visited Lindela, the notorious holding camp for refugees, and held a meeting with refugees from all other countries. According to Remember Moyo the minister promised that her officials will work out a plan to improve conditions at Lindela, as well as the way refugees are treated.