South Africans Held in Harare Prison for Illegal Entry Into Zimbabwe
Seven South African citizens are currently being held at Harare Remand Prison in Zimbabwe after allegedly entering the country without proper documentation.
They are among 66 foreign nationals detained for suspected illegal entry, according to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC).
Also Read: Suspect in Wits University Student’s Death Believed to Be Hiding in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s Immigration Law Allows 14-Day Detention
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, ZHRC chairperson Jessie Majome confirmed that South Africans were part of the detained group, which also includes nationals from Malawi, Burundi, and Ethiopia.
“Yes, I would say that is the case. Our immigration law allows officers to arrest and remand those suspected of illegal entry for at least 14 days while verifying their status,” Majome said.
Detainees Not Facing Criminal Charges
Majome clarified that the detained individuals are not being held on criminal grounds.
“They are not criminal detainees, so they don’t stay forever. It’s a recurring cycle due to irregular migration, which Africa must address,” she explained.
Despite this, they are being housed in prisons due to Zimbabwe’s lack of dedicated immigration holding facilities.
Calls for Immediate Deportation and New Facilities
The Commission has urged authorities to deport the detainees as soon as possible and criticized the continued use of prisons to hold non-criminal migrants.
“These individuals shouldn’t be in prisons—they are not facing criminal charges,” said Majome.
She emphasized the urgent need for Zimbabwe to establish proper immigration detention centres that respect the rights of migrants and offer a more suitable alternative to prisons.
“Zimbabwe needs dedicated immigration holding facilities to uphold their rights while addressing their status,” she added.
Social Media Reacts
Meanwhile, the seven South Africans arrest has sparked a buzz on social media. Some South Africans were actually shocked that they are some Zimbabweans who South Africans travelling to Zimbabwe illegally.
@jacnive;
These are criminals running away or Zimbos with fake SA IDs. Who in his right mind would want to escape SA to Zim?
@FAQJUUZ;
Wait. I thought South Africans don’t travel illegally?.
@zwelakhelll;
Those South Africans were kidnapped 🤞🏼
@Buja3D;
🤣🤣🤣Keep those mafakaz there for life, if SA would do the same we would be called names.
@BrettMagan;
Good arrest those South Africans we better off without them. They were probably fleeing from their crimes..
@thblihl;
Imagine entering Zimbabwe illegally ayi they deserve toture🫢😂