Lerato Mbhiza
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed the escape of about 70 undocumented foreign nationals from the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg.
The group managed to escape on Sunday following a scuffle with security. The centre houses hundreds of illegal foreign nationals who await deportation to their respective countries.
The escapees are from various countries including Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Burundi, DRC and Nigeria.
“Lindela is managed by facilities management company, EnvironMongz, which also provides security services on behalf of the department,” said Home Affairs in a statement.
“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 is now reviewing its contract with the management company 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,” the department said.
Despite the event that took place over the weekend, the Department is still proceeding with this scheduled plan to deport to countries of origin. The scheduled deportations are to Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini and Zimbabwe.
As part of this scheduled plan, 622 deportees have departed the facility. Last week, the Department deported 1 050 individuals to Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
“At the time of the escape, the facility was holding 1 521 undocumented foreign nationals who were awaiting deportation.”
Meanwhile the Department is working with other law enforcement agencies to track down the escapees.
As a result, one escapee has already been re-arrested.
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