News Reader

South Africa: Conditions deteriorate for fleeing Zimbabweans

Published 01 March 2010

 

The situation facing Zimbabweans crossing into South Africa has become notably worse since the start of the year. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams in Musina have seen an increase in the number of Zimbabweans being attacked, raped and robbed by armed gangs operating along the border between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Zimbabweans who run this gauntlet still face the risk of xenophobic and sexual violence in Musina’s packed transit shelters. Hundreds of asylum seekers lack even this basic shelter and sleep in the street while they await processing by the South African Department of Home Affairs.

In the following short video MSF field coordinator Guiseppe Demola introduces two Zimbabweans and their experiences.

MSF teams also report worsening conditions in Johannesburg, another major destination for Zimbabweans.

Roughly 2,000 live in cramped conditions in a church adjacent to MSF’s primary health care clinic in Johannesburg’s central business district. Thousands more live in abject conditions in several derelict buildings in downtown Johannesburg, many without proper water and sanitation.

Approximately 1,500 residents – including mothers, infants, and more than 100 disabled people – were forcefully evicted from such a building two weeks ago and left destitute and with no shelter over a weekend that saw heavy rains. MSF provided food, medical and temporary sanitation services to those in greatest need.

MSF anticipates that in the coming months the overall situation of these vulnerable Zimbabweans in Musina and Johannesburg may deteriorate further.

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