Earlier this month, South Africa resumed deportations of undocumented Zimbabweans. But officials denied deporting any asylum seekers.
“South Africa may not deport registered asylum seekers or newly arrived Zimbabweans who say they want to claim asylum. Regardless of how they entered the country or what identity documents they have South Africa must allow Zimbabweans to claim asylum at the border and fairly determine their claims,” said Gerry Simpson, HRW Senior Researcher.
He said South Africa could only deport undocumented Zimbabweans who don’t want to claim asylum.