MIDDELBURG – Scores of Malawian and Zimbabwean nationals are temporarily sheltering at the Middelburg United Long Distance Taxi Association (MULDTA) taxi rank as repatriation efforts continue in the wake of the March and March protests.
More than 150 foreign nationals were reportedly gathered at the taxi rank, where officials from the Malawian and Zimbabwean consulates were assisting them.
Unconfirmed reports allege that the association assisted in transporting migrants to their respective consulates in Johannesburg as part of arrangements for their repatriation.
"These arrangements come from an understanding we have with their consulates to help manage the situation as more foreign nationals come to the rank to return to their own countries," said an individual whose name is being withheld pending confirmation of his position at MULDTA.
The individual said the priority at the taxi rank was the safety of those awaiting repatriation.
"We have to make sure they are protected while they are waiting to be deported."
The publication also spoke to a 49-year-old Zimbabwean woman at the taxi rank, who asked not to be identified. She said she arrived on Wednesday after being evicted by her landlord.
"He told me to go because he feared the March and March people will attack us and him when they find out we are still here," she said.
Since Tuesday, the March and March protests have gained significant support in Middelburg. Organisers say they intend holding weekly marches and are calling for businesses owned by undocumented foreign nationals to close.
March and March convenor Sifiso Masemola denied allegations that protesters had attacked foreign nationals.
"While the movement is intensifying efforts to shut down businesses owned by foreign nationals and calling for illegal immigrants to leave the country, those activities have so far been carried out peacefully and in a manner that is in line with the law," Masemola said.
"No incidents of violence have been reported and we do not threaten people with violence," he said.
