More than 600 Zimbabwean nationals have gathered outside the Mankweng Police Station in Limpopo, calling on authorities to assist them in returning to their home country as tensions rise ahead of planned anti-illegal immigration protests in South Africa.
The group, which includes women, men, and children, has been camping outside the police station for several days after reportedly being forced out of rented accommodation in nearby areas such as Mankweng and Polokwane. Many say they no longer feel safe and are urgently seeking repatriation assistance.
According to reports, the situation has left families sleeping in the open under difficult conditions. Some have been on the streets for nearly four days, with little access to food, clean water, sanitation, or shelter. Among them are infants as young as two months old, with mothers trying to care for babies while exposed to cold weather and limited resources.
The growing gathering comes amid heightened fear among foreign nationals across South Africa, as communities prepare for a nationwide anti-illegal immigration protest scheduled for 30 June. Many Zimbabweans in Limpopo and other provinces say they fear possible violence or renewed evictions linked to the political climate surrounding undocumented migration.
One of the affected individuals, Fortunate Moyo, a 24-year-old mother, said she was overwhelmed by fear for her child’s safety and simply wanted to return home. Others echoed similar concerns, saying they felt targeted even in cases where they had valid documentation to remain in the country.
Some residents claim they were evicted by landlords who feared penalties for housing undocumented migrants. This has contributed to the sudden displacement of hundreds of people, who now find themselves stranded outside police premises while seeking assistance.
Despite the difficult conditions, the group insists they are not protesting but are instead appealing for humanitarian help. Their representatives have stated that they are working with their embassy and local authorities to arrange transportation and documentation required for voluntary repatriation.
In previous days, buses arranged with assistance from the Zimbabwean government reportedly transported hundreds of people back across the border, but many more remain stranded as the process continues.
Authorities in South Africa have reiterated that repatriation efforts must go through official channels. Home Affairs officials have said embassies play a crucial role in verifying identities, confirming nationality, and coordinating safe return arrangements for foreign nationals.
As the situation continues, humanitarian concerns are growing, with aid groups warning about the vulnerability of children and families sleeping outdoors in unstable conditions. The gathering at Mankweng highlights the broader pressure facing migrant communities amid rising tensions and uncertainty over their future in South Africa.
For now, hundreds remain outside the police station, waiting for assistance and hoping for a safe return to Zimbabwe.
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