HARARE – Dozens of Zimbabwean nationals have begun returning home after seeking refuge at a church property in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, following reports that they were forced to flee their communities amid anti-foreigner tensions.

CAPE TOWN – Hundreds of Zimbabweans who opted to return home through South Africa's voluntary repatriation programme have been left stunned after learning they could be barred from re-entering the country for up to five years because of their immigration status. The revelation has emerged as South African authorities continue assisting foreign nationals who chose to leave the country amid fears of violence linked to planned anti-immigration protests.