POLOKWANE – Scores of Zimbabwean nationals remained gathered outside the Mankweng Police Station on Wednesday, nearly a week after they first assembled while awaiting transport back to Zimbabwe.

The group, which includes families with young children, has been sleeping outdoors in cold conditions while waiting for buses arranged by the Zimbabwean government through its embassy.

The repatriation follows increased calls by anti-illegal immigration groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.

ALSO READ: Thousands flee South Africa as June 30 deadline hits

Voices from the crowd

Many of those gathered told Review Online they did not have valid documentation to remain in South Africa and had opted to return voluntarily.

Among them is Hopeful Ndou-Chimhundu (45), who said he first entered South Africa illegally in 2008 by crossing the Limpopo River.

“Crossing the river depended on the water level is easy. We used a large water pipe to drift across until we reached the other side,” he said.

Others described different methods of entering the country, including travelling hidden inside refrigerated trucks after paying transporters to bring them into South Africa.

Ndou-Chimhundu said he had worked for a wood-processing company on a local farm until last week, when his employer advised him to return to Zimbabwe to regularise his immigration status.

“There were five Zimbabweans, five Malawians and one South African working in my department. My employer told me I could return once I have the correct documents,” he said.

He claimed that finding employment without the necessary documentation had been relatively easy and said obtaining fraudulent documents was often quicker and cheaper than applying for a legitimate work permit.

Ndou-Chimhundu said he now hopes to obtain a legal work permit before returning to South Africa. He also plans to spend time with family in Zimbabwe, having not returned home since leaving about 18 years ago.

More people continue to arrive

Three buses transporting foreign nationals departed on Saturday, but the number of people requesting repatriation has continued to grow.

Zimbabwean embassy officials returned to Mankweng on Tuesday afternoon to register additional people and coordinate further transport arrangements.

‘We are receiving food parcels’

Group spokesperson Clever Zvitete, who said he is legally documented in South Africa, said the displaced nationals are receiving food parcels while waiting for transport.

He added that similar groups of Zimbabwean nationals are also gathered in areas including Mokopane, Elim and Thohoyandou awaiting repatriation.

Appeal for transport assistance

Zvitete appealed to individuals and organisations willing to assist with transport to contact the Zimbabwean embassy, saying many of those seeking to return home cannot afford the travel costs.

A strong police presence remains at the site. Capricorn district commissioner Major General Lesiba Mashilo said officers continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety and security of those gathered while repatriation efforts continue.