Wire fence erected as Sherwood deportation operations ramp up
Authorities have tightened security at Sherwood Hall and opened an overflow processing site to help repatriate thousands of Malawians.
FOLLOWING Wednesday’s (June 17) clashes with police and in the bid to improve security, a barbed wire fence has been erected around Sherwood Hall where thousands of Malawi nationals are awaiting processing, deportation, and repatriation.
This move comes as the eThekwini Municipality has deployed 10 buses, four of which will operate continuously between Sherwood, the Drive-In Site, and the Magistrate’s Court to support processing and deportation activities.
“The Drive-In site will serve as a temporary staging area and overflow facility to alleviate pressure on existing facilities in Sherwood and to accelerate the deportation process,” said eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba.
He said the site’s proximity to the Durban Regional Court “will further support these efforts by enabling the efficient transportation of individuals to the five dedicated courts established to process deportation matters”.
Also Read: Sherwood Hall: Tensions flare as humanitarian crisis deepens
He said the site is expected to be operational for 14 days as government remains firm on not building refugee camps across the City.
“Residents and businesses are assured that the facility is not intended to become a permanent site. Government has made it clear that there are no plans to establish refugee camps in South Africa,” reiterated Xaba.
To date, 1458 people have been deported from the Sherwood migrant camp that is housing around 8000. At total of with 19 buses have left for Malawi from the camp while the Malawian government has appealed for assistance in acquiring more.
With tension already high with the looming deadline of June 30 closing in, the City has assured that a heavy police and “security presence will remain at both facilities to ensure order and assist with crowd management.
“We are also working to install additional lighting to improve safety and security, particularly during night-time operations.”
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