15 Apr 2020

Forty-six Zimbabwean nationals who came to look for piece jobs in Selebi Phikwe have been left in the lurch.

Selebi Phikwe Station Commander, Superintendent Meshack Pulenyane said the 46 Zimbabweans thronged their police station requesting to be repatriated back home.

He noted that they had valid passports, which showed that they crossed at the Ramokgwebana Border Post on March and were given 90 days to stay in the country.

Supt Pulenyane said they looked for temporary jobs whilst others harvested mophane worms, adding that the activities ceased once the lockdown began on April 2.

He said some of the Zimbabweans decried lack of funds to buy food and pay rent during the lockdown, hence seeking help from the police.

Deputy district commissioner for Selebi Phikwe, Mr Mokgethi Nfila said the Selebi Phikwe leadership took the decision to accommodate the 46 Zimbabweans at Kagiso Community Hall and provide them with food.

He said the number of Zimbabweans has increased as some arrived on Tuesday.

He said the issue had been escalated to the permanent secretary in the Ministry for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration. Ends