Zimbabweans living in South Africa are no longer at ease, as the fear of xenophobic violence pulls at their heartstrings. The scrapping of the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP), has not made matters any easier as Zimbabweans in the Eastern Cape have begun moving their valuables back home.
The recent hostility on foreigners by groups against immigrants in South Africa, Operation Dudula, Dudula Movement and others, have planted fear in the hearts of many.
The chilling murder of Elvis Nyathi, a Zimbabwean who was beaten, and set ablaze outside his home further exacerbates the fears of foreign nationals.
Nyathi’s widow also disclosed that she had sent her belongings back home, and will move her children as well.
“I was afraid that I would end up losing everything. I paid R6,000 to transport two refrigerators, a four-plate stove, a set of couches and a washing machine.
“My children will go in December after schools close and they will not return. I and my husband will not relocate to Zimbabwe anytime soon because we are holders of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit.
Transport companies have also weighed in on the situation.
“We are carrying more luggage than passengers because people are afraid of falling victim to xenophobic violence. We used to travel with not more than 40 passengers per trip. We are now having a small number of travellers to Zimbabwe as people are spending more money on sending their luggage,” one of them said.
Meanwhile, a trending video of SA’s Home Affairs Minister, Dr Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi has left many surprised, as the minister was heard threatening fire and brimstone on illegal foreigners in the country.
Motsoaledi called them “rascals” and “low-lives.” He vowed to lock them up and through away the key before his resignation.