By Ziyah News Network Reporter
South Africa– A growing sense of unease has gripped the Zimbabwean community in South Africa as the Home Affairs Department intensifies its efforts to root out illegal migrants. With an estimated two-thirds of Zimbabweans living in South Africa said to be without proper documentation, many are now living in fear of deportation.
Reports from major provinces, including Western Cape, Kwazulu Natal, and Gauteng, indicate a surge in roadblocks, workplace raids, and bus rank inspections as the Home Affairs Department intensifies efforts to identify and apprehend undocumented immigrants.
In a recent operation, Home Affairs officials descended upon the Bellville bus rank in Cape Town, a hub for Zimbabweans, and rounded up numerous illegal foreigners. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as some individuals attempted to evade arrest.
“It’s tense here, and most of us are living in fear of deportation,” a Zimbabwean national told Ziyah News Network from Cape Town. “Home Affairs invaded Belleville Station, taking some passengers from Munorurama bus and staff members from Tamuka bus services. Those with tickets were spared, as they were on their way out of the country.”
The crackdown has intensified post the elections in South Africa casting a shadow over the continued stay of most Zimbabweans across Limpopo. Many Zimbabweans had celebrated the coming into Government of the Democratic Alliance, a party most see to be sympathetic to Zimbabweans especially after Hellen Zille had highlighted the need to spare Zimbabweans who had ‘established’ in South Africa, but alas , they might have celebrated too soon.