Tactics Uncovered: How 69 Undocumented Foreigners Escaped Lindela Repatriation Centre in South Africa

Tactics Uncovered: How 69 Undocumented Foreigners Escaped Lindela Repatriation Centre in South Africa

The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has confirmed that a number of undocumented foreign nationals awaiting deportation have escaped from the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Department of Home Affairs provided details on how the escape took place. Initially, it was reported that 60 foreign nationals had escaped, but the department revised that number to 69.

Also read: Watch: Over 60 Illegal Immigrants Escape From Lindela Repatriation Centre in South Africa

How Foreigners Escaped Lindela Repatriation Centre in South Africa

The incident occurred on Sunday at around 11:50 am following a scuffle between the foreign nationals and the security personnel from EnvironMongz, the facilities management company responsible for Lindela. According to the department, the altercation led to the escape of the 69 undocumented foreign nationals.

“Lindela is managed by facilities management company, EnvironMongz, which also provides security services on behalf of the department, Our investigation revealed there was an altercation between the inmates and EnvironMongz management and its security team. It was during this altercation that 69 undocumented foreign nationals escaped,” the department said in a statement.

Also read: Prison Break: Two Zimbabwean Men Escape From Botswana Prison

Department Reacts: Security Contract Under Review

The Department of Home Affairs expressed dissatisfaction with the circumstances surrounding the escape and is currently reviewing its contract with EnvironMongz to determine the appropriate actions to be taken. As an immediate measure, the department has assumed control of access and security at the facility by engaging a different security company while the incident is being investigated.

“The Department is unhappy about the circumstances and the manner under which this escape happened because we believe enough could have been done by the management company and its security to prevent this incident. Hence, the contract is being scrutinised to decide on the best course of action. As an immediate intervention, the Department has taken over the access control and other security functions at the facility by putting a different security company at the gate while the matter is still being investigated. At the time of the escape, the facility was holding 1 521 undocumented foreign nationals who were awaiting deportation. The 69 escapees were part of this group.,” the statement further reads.

Also read: Johannesburg Fire Survivors Reveal How They Escaped From the Burning Building

Escapees from Multiple Countries

The escaped individuals come from various countries, including Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria.

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