Zimbabwean repatriations from South Africa show significant decline

Zimbabwean authorities report a significant decline in the number of nationals returning from South Africa through both government-assisted programs and self-repatriation. As of October 6, more than 197,000 Zimbabweans have returned, including 42,553 via government arrangements and 154,741 through independent means.

Acting Information Minister Paul Mavima noted that the government continues to coordinate the reception and reintegration of these citizens. The process includes handling deportees from South Africa’s Lindela Repatriation Centre at the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre. Some deportees are convicts required to serve the remainder of their sentences in Zimbabwe, necessitating screening by the Joint Operations Command.

Additionally, the Zimbabwean government reported assisting 87,012 Malawian nationals transiting through the country on their return to Malawi, all of whom have since departed.