Seven South African citizens are among 66 foreign nationals detained in Zimbabwe for allegedly entering the country illegally, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has confirmed.
The group, which includes nationals from South Africa, Malawi, Burundi, and Ethiopia, is currently being held at Harare Remand Prison. Jessie Majome, Chairperson of the ZHRC, confirmed the detentions during an interview with Newzroom Afrika, stating, “Yes, I would say that is the case.”
Zimbabwean immigration law allows authorities to arrest and hold individuals suspected of illegal entry for up to 14 days while their immigration status is verified. “From time to time, people are detained in Zimbabwe’s prisons like these 66 individuals we found,” said Majome.
The ZHRC emphasised that the detained individuals are not facing criminal charges. “They are not criminal detainees, so they don’t stay forever,” said Majome. “It’s a recurring cycle due to irregular migration, which Africa must address.” She reiterated that these individuals should not be held in prisons and called for the creation of dedicated immigration holding facilities in Zimbabwe.
Currently, Zimbabwe does not have such facilities, and irregular migrants are kept in standard prisons under the existing legal framework. Majome stated, “Zimbabwe needs dedicated immigration holding facilities to uphold their rights while addressing their status.”
The detentions come amid joint efforts between Zimbabwe and South Africa to increase patrols along the Limpopo River, aimed at stopping smuggling and illegal crossings. According to Majome, Zimbabwe often serves as a transit country, and migration management remains a broader continental issue.
Deportation processes for the 66 detained individuals are now underway. The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission confirmed that no one will be held indefinitely, and detainees will either be deported or released once their immigration status is confirmed.
