South African authorities have raised concerns about alleged abuse of the repatriation system at the Musina Repatriation Centre.
Officials say some Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals are using free transport for unintended purposes.
Instead of seeking repatriation, some reportedly shop in Musina before boarding buses heading home.
Meanwhile, the centre has also received many undocumented migrants brought by former employers.
Limpopo Department of Home Affairs manager Albert Matsaung revealed the developments during an SABC interview on Monday, 13 July.
Authorities tighten screening at Musina centre
Matsaung said officials recently identified people attempting to misuse the repatriation programme.
According to him, some individuals arrived carrying groceries after shopping in Musina.
Officials believe these cases indicate attempts to benefit from free transport.
“We have picked up one or two that wanted to, after having bought from Musina, come and use our repatriation centre’s transportation,” he said.
“A person who just carries groceries is a reflection that this is not a person whose main aim was just to be repatriated.”
As a result, authorities now screen everyone arriving at the centre.
The department also works closely with Zimbabwean and Mozambican embassies.
In addition, the South African Police Service helps identify suspected cases of abuse.
“There are very few; it’s not that much, and we are managing that. The embassy is also assisting us,” he said.
Repatriation numbers continue to fluctuate
Matsaung said daily arrivals remain unpredictable, making planning more challenging.
Some days, officials process fewer than 1,000 people for Zimbabwe.
On other days, the facility becomes overwhelmed with new arrivals.
“It remains a moving target, and you will never be certain as to how many people will be coming over,” he said.
“People continue to come from all nine provinces, people continue to come over to the centre as part of them wanting to be repatriated.”
He explained that several groups arrive at the centre through different channels.
Many undocumented migrants travel on organised buses from across South Africa.
Others arrive after employers personally drop them at the facility.
“You must understand that most of the people here are people who were being employed, so employers are also coming here individually to drop their people. It’s easy for us to identify them as and when they come,” he said.
Despite isolated abuses, Matsaung stressed that genuine migrants remain the department’s priority.
He added that embassies and government departments continue providing food and support while people await transport home.
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