3 Zimbabwean women found dead after crossing illegally into South Africa

By Tererai Karimakwenda
30 May 2006

Zimbabweans in South Africa have reported that three women from Bulawayo were found dead in a bushy area near Johannesburg after they allegedly travelled to South Africa illegally last week. According to some Zimbabweans in Johannesburg, the three women were from one family in Cowdry Park, Bulawayo. A relative of the deceased told our Bulawayo correspondent Themba Nkosi that they had been taken to South Africa by cross border drivers known as Omalayisha and were intending to look for jobs.

Nkosi told us their sister who works in Johannesburg had asked the Malayisha to transport them to South Africa on the understanding that she would pay 1000 rands for each of them upon arrival. But the sister had no money when the time came and the Malayisha allegedly became angry and refused to let the women go. He then drove away with them and they were never seen alive again. Last week passersby found their dead bodies in the bush. Nkosi said it is not known whether the Malayisha killed them. He said it has been difficult to get information from the police in Hillbrow area of South Africa.

Nkosi also told us that several Omalayisha have been implicated in the murders of Zimbabwean border jumpers known as Omadabulap. He said those who smuggle people across the Limpopo charge each border jumper Z$ 40 million dollars to get to Johannesburg or the equivalent of 1000 rands.

As the economic crisis in Zimbabwe continues to deteriorate, many people seeking better opportunities are turning to dangerous alternatives in order to survive. Crime by Zimbabweans against other Zimbabweans has increased.