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.

More than 500 Zimbabweans are reportedly sheltering at the consulate and in surrounding areas while awaiting government-assisted repatriation to Zimbabwe. With limited space at the diplomatic mission, many have been forced to sleep outdoors as they wait for transport home.

CAPE TOWN – The City of Cape Town has begun relocating large groups of Zimbabwean nationals who had gathered outside Zimbabwe's Consulate in District Six to the Department of Home Affairs Repatriation Centre in Epping, where they will be processed for voluntary return to Zimbabwe. The relocation operation commenced at approximately 9 am on Sunday, 28 June, and is being coordinated by the City of Cape Town in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs and the Zimbabwean C