7 SA citizens among 66 illegal immigrants detained in Zimbabwe
Seven South African citizens are among 66 people being detained in Zimbabwe for allegedly entering the country illegally, according to the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
“Yes, I would say that is the case,” said Jessie Majome, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission.
“From time to time, people are detained in Zimbabwe’s prisons—like these 66 individuals we found—because our immigration law allows officers to arrest and remand those suspected of illegal entry for at least 14 days while verifying their status.”
The group, which includes nationals from South Africa, Malawi, Burundi and Ethiopia, is being held at the Harare Remand Prison.
Detainees not treated as criminals
Majome confirmed that the detained individuals are not facing criminal charges.
“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 said.
The Commission has called for their immediate deportation and raised concerns over the continued use of prisons to hold migrants.
“Zimbabwe lacks dedicated detention facilities for irregular migrants—currently, they are held in prisons, as required by law,” said Majome.
“These individuals shouldn’t be in prisons—they are not facing criminal charges.”
She emphasised the need for dedicated repatriation centres to better handle such cases.
“Zimbabwe needs dedicated immigration holding facilities to uphold their rights while addressing their status.”
Joint patrols and calls for reform
This comes as Zimbabwe and South Africa have stepped up joint patrols along the Limpopo River to combat smuggling and illegal crossings.
Majome noted that Zimbabwe often serves as a transit country and that migration is a continental issue.
“This group included individuals from Burundi, Ethiopia, Malawi, and beyond, not just South Africa. Migration is a human reality, but we must manage it humanely.”
She added:
“We are assured these individuals will be processed, but the broader issue persists until immigration policies improve.”
Majome, who is part of the African National Human Rights Institutions’ migration working group, said reforms were needed to ensure the humane treatment of all migrants across Africa.
“Borders are colonial legacies, but we must ensure freedom of movement without xenophobia.”
Social media users reacted strongly to the news, with some questioning the imbalance in migration enforcement.
“
By that time we have more than 1 million Zimbabweans illegally in SA,” wrote one user.
“Nah, no South African is gonna enter Zimbabwe illegally. Those are Zimbabweans going back home,” another added.
Despite online debate, Zimbabwe’s human rights commission insists the detainees will not be held indefinitely and will either be deported or released after their immigration status is confirmed.
The commission has confirmed that deportation arrangements are underway.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post “They Should Not Be in Prison” – 7 SA Citizens Among 66 Illegal Immigrants Detained in Zimbabwe appeared first on iHarare News.
