AS the deadline of June 30 edges closer, work is moving at a faster pace at the Old Drive-In Site which was temporarily housing Malawi nationals who are now being moved to Musina in Limpompo for processing and repatriation.

The eThekwini Municipality on Saturday confirmed that the Durban Drive-In will be shutting down and the scores of Malawians at the camp moved to a newly established Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Musina.

“This decision follows a resolution of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, taken on 26 June, as part of government’s coordinated response to managing irregular migration and expediting voluntary repatriation processes,” said Municipal spokesperson Mandla Nsele.

There was no date given for the dismantling of the camp which continues to see more people arriving in hired vehicles. This morning, eThekwini Municipality COO Lindo Mkhize said the transfer to Musina is also being delayed by the luggage being carried on board.

Also Read: Malawi nationals to be relocated from Durban to Musina, Limpopo

“The buses are full of luggage instead of people and we are in the process of getting a truck to carry the load so that we get more people boarding the buses,” said the official.

She said around 1000 people have been taken to Musina. “We are expecting more buses, around 70 come and fetch more people to take to Musina. The plan is to have everyone moved by the end of today (June 29) but more people are arriving. There’s 300 people waiting outside the site as we speak.”

The transfer from Durban to Musina is also expected to continue throughout the night with the City remaining on high alert for the peaceful march which will start at King Dinuzulu Park to Point Road. As the operation enters its final phase, the main marquee at the site has now been dismantled, while other temporary structures are currently being taken down.

“Essential service tents will remain in place until the repatriation process is completed later today or, at the latest, tomorrow morning. A total of 58 buses departed from the site yesterday, while a further 10 buses departed this morning.

“An additional 70 buses are scheduled to leave throughout today as part of intensified efforts to conclude the operation. The Municipality anticipates that all remaining individuals will be transported by tomorrow.”

During the parade at North Beach on Sunday Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia called on law enforcement officers to uphold the law without fear, favour or prejudice.

“Professionalism, discipline and restraint are not optional. They are fundamental to policing in a constitutional democracy. Every decision, every instruction and every action must be lawful, proportionate and accountable,” said Cachalia.

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