afrol News, 11 July - UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called on South Africa to stop mass deportations of Zimbabwean migrants seeking asylum in SA on Friday.

According to refugees’ commission, South Africa has deported about 17,000 Zimbabweans in the last 40 days alone through the main border crossing at Beit Bridge, despite agencies’ in late May.

UNHCR spokesperson Ms Jennifer Pagonis said refugees’ organisation has seen an increase in the number of families who fled their home country Zimbabwe due to political instability and torture through authorised ports.

"Our concern is that with these refugees who are fleeing political violence and upheaval in Zimbabwe, they could be at risk of being sent back to danger if they are caught up in this large-scale deportation," Ms Pagonis said.

She appealed to South Africa to halt all deportations of Zimbabweans and ensure that those seeking asylum should have access to national asylum procedures, instead of being chased out of the country.

"They are fearful of arrest and deportation and they remain underground, making them vulnerable to other forms of violence and exploitation such as rape and robbery," Ms Pagonis said.

She said agency was working with other authorities to reinforce its presence at the border and is visiting detention and deportation facility in Musina to identify Zimbabwean asylum seekers and refer them to the appropriate government authorities.

“We are also discussing these issues with the government to try and ensure that refugees and asylum seekers get the protection they need,” Ms Pagonis added.

Zimbabweans have flooded SA and other neighbouring states following 29 March polls which have been marred by violence perpetrated by President Mugabe’s regime, leaving a death toll at 90 while thousands are displaced.

Tensions have further build up since 27 June run off elections, which were widely condemned by international community and other Africa states after opposition party leader withdrew from the elections.

Zimbabwean asylum-seekers have also been reported arriving in neighbouring countries since March with some 700 arrivals in Botswana and 38 in Zambia. UNHCR staff in Mozambique’s border areas, have also identified several hundred asylum-seekers from Zimbabwe who need protection.

Some 1.5-3 million Zimbabweans have left their homeland in recent years and are scattered in southern Africa.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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