The Zimbabwean community in South Africa is reeling in shock and anger after one of their countrymen was brutally beaten to death by individuals claiming to be officials from the Department of Home Affairs. The incident, which occurred at Cedar Square, has sparked outrage and fear among Zimbabweans living in South Africa.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been released, was allegedly beaten by the "officials" after they demanded to see his identity documents. The Zimbabwean Community in South Africa (ZimCommunitySA) has strongly condemned the incident, calling it a "grievous beating" and a "clear violation of human rights".
"ZimCommunitySA strongly condemns the grievous beating of a Zimbabwean national at Cedar Square yesterday, allegedly by individuals purporting to be officials from the Department of Home Affairs," reads a statement released by the organisation. "This incident is deeply troubling, especially as it marks the third occurrence of such violent acts by so-called "officials" when demanding documentation from migrants."
The statement goes on to say: "While we acknowledge the legitimate role of authorities in requesting documentation from migrants to ensure legal compliance, we must emphasize that it is unequivocally against the law to resort to violence. ‘The brutal assault on our compatriot, which led to near-fatal injuries, is a clear violation of human rights and the principles of justice.
"ZimCommunitySA is actively investigating this incident to gather all the facts. We are committed to seeking justice for the victims of these unlawful actions and will pursue all necessary channels to ensure accountability. We urge the relevant authorities to urgently address these alarming incidents of brutality, which have become increasingly frequent and dangerous. We also call on all human rights defenders, civil society organizations, and the broader public to condemn these vile acts. It is imperative that such unlawful behavior be swiftly addressed and eradicated to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or immigration status."
Our news crew has learned that the brutally assaulted man later died in hospital.
This tragic incident comes amidst a wave of fear sweeping through the Zimbabwean community in South Africa as the country's immigration authorities embark on a stringent crackdown on undocumented migrants. The crackdown which is being driven by the new Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, has resulted in immigration officials conducting door-to-door searches and intensifying inspections at businesses and workplaces, and has left many Zimbabweans living in constant fear of being apprehended and deported.
The recent crackdown, which has seen immigration officials targeting spaza shops, restaurants, farms, and mines, has been described by some as a “witch hunt”, leaving undocumented Zimbabweans feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their future. The heightened scrutiny has triggered a sense of unease, with many fearing that their lives in South Africa, built on hard work and resilience, could be abruptly shattered.
“We are worried that there seems to be an increase in the number of arrests targeting undocumented migrants,” said Ngqabutho Nicholas Mabhena, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Community in South Africa. “While the law states that undocumented individuals must be arrested, we do not contest the right of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and immigration officials to arrest undocumented people.”
However, Mabhena raised concerns about the manner in which these arrests are being conducted, alleging that they are being used as a fundraising tactic by the authorities.
“There is now a new tendency where people are rounded up at their places of work or residences and taken to police stations where they are asked to pay hefty sums of money – R3,500 or so – for their release. It appears as if migrants are being used by SAPS for fundraising purposes,” he said.
Mabhena’s concerns echo the anxieties felt by many undocumented Zimbabweans, who are struggling to make ends meet in a challenging economic environment. The fear of being caught and deported adds another layer of stress to their already precarious lives.
“I came to South Africa seeking a chance to rebuild my life,” said Hardlife Shoko*, an undocumented migrant from Shurugwi who works odd jobs and sometimes on farms. “Exploitation is real there because the farm owners say we don’t earn much since we don’t pay rent while working there.”
The Zimbabwean community is calling for an urgent investigation into the death of their countryman and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. They are also demanding an end to the violence and intimidation being meted out against undocumented migrants in South Africa.
