Foreign nationals relocated in Vryheid after community concerns
Foreign nationals were relocated after residents raised concerns about their temporary accommodation at Mbilombovu Hall.
A group of foreign nationals who had been temporarily accommodated at Mbilombovu Hall in Bhekuzulu’s Ghetto area were relocated last week Tuesday after community members raised concerns and alerted the relevant authorities.
Residents raise concerns
Residents suspected that undocumented immigrants were staying at the hall and notified authorities after discovering that about 29 Zimbabwean nationals, including children, were being accommodated there. Public Safety officials and the South African Police Service (SAPS) responded swiftly, bringing the situation under control without any reported incidents.
The incident took place during a week when some groups had called for a national shutdown demanding the removal of illegal or undocumented immigrants, although the South African government had declared the day a normal working day. Community members expressed frustration after learning that the group was staying at the municipal hall.
Councillor unaware of accommodation
Ward councillor Mthembu said he was unaware that the foreign nationals had been accommodated at the hall.
“I first heard that there were people occupying the hall from residents in the ward. No one informed me about it. I was frustrated because I knew people would think I was involved. I then tried contacting AbaQulusi Local Municipality Mayor Sifiso Mkhwanazi, but I could not reach him. I later spoke to the Director of Community Services, Mr Mthembu, who confirmed that there were people staying at the hall.”
The councillor said he went to the hall, where he found approximately 29 people and spoke to a man who identified himself as the group’s coordinator.
Group sought temporary shelter
“According to him, they had travelled from Nquthu and Mondlo and had unsuccessfully tried several times to contact the mayor. They were looking for a central place to stay before continuing their journey to Zimbabwe. He also told me that another group of about 25 people from Nongoma was expected to join them before they departed,” Mthembu said.
He added that Mayor Mkhwanazi, the municipal manager and the Director of Community Services later visited the hall.
“The mayor apologised to me for not informing me beforehand, saying everything had happened in a hurry. It was also the first time he met the group in person, as they had previously only communicated by cellphone while trying to secure temporary accommodation,” said Mthembu.
Authorities relocate the group
Following discussions with authorities, the group was moved from the hall to another place of safety after residents voiced their objections to them remaining there. The additional group from Nongoma was expected to join them later that day.
Quentin Brown, Patrol Coordinator for AfriForum, confirmed that the group was transported by bus later that evening for further processing by the relevant authorities.
Brown said the foreign nationals were first taken to a place of safety before being transferred by bus, which was scheduled to take them to the Zimbabwean Embassy.
The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
