By Ziyah News Reporter
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) has made a strong appeal for the establishment of a separate detention centre for immigrants, similar to the Tongogara Detention Centre in Mutare.
Currently, refugees who find themselves in Beitbridge are being held in the same cells as hardcore criminals, raising serious concerns about their safety and well-being.
Speaking during a tour to the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre by Dr Katharina Stasch, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Officer Incharge of Beitbridge prison Sup Betina N Ndlovu pointed out that the Beitbridge facility has exceeded its holding capacity, making it impossible to separate illegal immigrants from serious offenders
“If we could have a separate detention centre for immigrants, it would greatly improve their situation, as they have not committed crimes,” she stated.
Other challenges faced by detained immigrants include Language barriers that hinder effective communication and issues related to diet have also risen, as the food provided by the ZPCS may not cater to the diverse cultural needs of the immigrant population.
The call for a separate detention centre in Beitbridge aims to address these urgent issues and create a more humane environment for immigrants awaiting their legal status.