JOHANNESBURG - Zimbabweans living in South Africa fear the move by cabinet last week to end the special dispensation to them will expose them to corruption by police.
The immigrants said the resumption of deportations to Zimbabwe would almost undoubtedly result in police soliciting bribes to avoid detention at the notorious Lindela Repatriation Centre and eventual deportation.
Undocumented immigrants, mainly from Zimbabwe, have for a long time suffered terribly at the hands of corrupt South African police officers.
Trust Musiwa, who lives in Braamfontein, fears the latest development will make matters even worse.
The police will be back in brisk business as cash will change hands for sure. This decision by cabinet will expose Zimbabweans to corruption as people will do anything to avoid going to Lindela because of the inhumane conditions there, he said. Not all Zimbabweans can afford the fees charged for documents such as a passport, while acquiring a South African work permit is also beyond the reach of many.
It costs at least US$150 to get a Zimbabwean passport. An extra US$400 is charged for a replacing a lost passport.
I lost my passport and cannot afford that kind of money. As such, not all of us will be documented. That will put me at the mercy of police as I would prefer to stay here than return to Zimbabwe where unemployment levels are higher, said Esther Mpofu.
Human rights lawyer and Zimbabwe Exiles Forum director, Gabriel Shumba lamented the resumption of deportations.
This can only mean that corrupt police and immigration officials as well as those who arrest to meet the supply needs of Lindela are back in business, especially as Zimbabwe faces another election, he told The Zimbabwean.
Post published in: News