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ZEF speaks out on the tragic accident involving Zimbabwean deportees on Saturday
Zimbabwe Exiles Forum (ZEF)
February 18, 2008

Zimbabwe Exiles Forum (ZEF) is shocked and saddened to hear about the death in transit of 5 deportees on Saturday, the 16th of February 2008. ZEF understands from its partner organization, the Musina Legal Advice Center that the accident occurred between Musina and Beitbridge on Saturday when 52 Zimbabwean deportees (51 of which were women) were being driven towards the Beitbridge border. The accident left 36 injured and 5 dead. The 36 were admitted at a hospital in Musina. ZEF understands that of those injured, all but 6 women and two children are still in hospital.

ZEF is shocked that to date, there has been no statement from both Home Affairs and the Safety and Security Departments regarding this tragedy. The organization also believes that the inhuman and random rounding up of Zimbabweans seeking refuge in South Africa is in part to blame for this catastrophe.

Commenting on this incident, ZEF Director Gabriel Shumba today said, "In general, human life and dignity should take precedence over political and economic policy considerations. However, the practice by the South African government does not seem to endorse this foundation of our very humanity."

In the light of this incident, ZEF reiterates its calls to the South African government to allow an independent investigation into the treatment of Zimbabweans in SA by the Special Rapporteur on Refugees and the Internally Displaced from the African Commission on Human and People's Rights. ZEF also strongly appeals to the South African government to revise its policies and practices where those seeking sanctuary in South Africa are concerned. Lastly, we call upon the South African government to compensate those who were injured, and the families of those who were killed.

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