Following concerted efforts and donations by citizens, Government yesterday repatriated 96 Zimbabweans from Gauteng Province, South Africa.

It all began on Wednesday when citizens put together a pot of over R25,000 and got a bus and a police escort to rush to the holding center in Ekurhuleni. All was done over a LIVE video on ZimEye.com. That trip was however halted by embassy officials as an argument ensued.

Eventually however, the embassy organised two buses the following day and the ambassador David Hamadziripi told ZimEye all paperwork was later completed by end of day Wednesday.

Ambassador Hamadziripi conveyed a message of thanks to all who donated.

On Thursday morning the first 2 buses descended onto Tsolo Hall to evacuate the victims. (All this was webcast LIVE on ZimEye.com.)

These are part of 171 Zimbabweans affected by the disturbances, who include the wife of the late Isaac Mabandla  who was burnt alive last week Thursday morning.

To date a total 12 people have been killed, and they include two Zimbabweans.

The Government has since activated the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) to assist the returnees on arrival at Beitbridge Border Post.

The government says the returnees will be assisted with social protection issues at the Social Services Department-run Reception and Support Centre, formerly operated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

The centre has a carrying capacity of around 1 000 people.

Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa, Mr David Hamadziripi, said the returnees had volunteered to be repatriated to their respective homes.

“A total of 171 Zimbabweans were affected and 96 have decided to come home,” he said. “The Government of Zimbabwe paid for their repatriation.”

Sources in South Africa said the group, which had been seeking refuge at Tsolo Hall in the city of Ekurhuleni, had left Gauteng around midday in two buses.

They were expected to arrive in the country via Beitbridge Border Post by last night. “The numbers of those seeking reparation keep fluctuating since many have gone back to their bases,” said a source.

“The repatriation programme is being done by authorities on a voluntary basis.” – ZimEye / Additional reporting/ State Media