Government to Repatriate Body of Zimbabwean Killed in South Africa Xenophobic Attack

By Southerton Business Times | Bulawayo

The Government has pledged to assist in repatriating the body of a young Zimbabwean man who was allegedly shot dead in front of his mother during the recent wave of anti-immigrant violence in South Africa.

The announcement was made by Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube during a visit to the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) reception and transit centre in Njube on Wednesday, where Zimbabweans returning from South Africa are receiving temporary assistance before travelling to their home provinces.

Ncube said the deceased's mother was among the latest group of returnees and remains deeply traumatised after witnessing the fatal shooting of her son.

"She witnessed the killing of her son and arrived here in a traumatised state. She has since received counselling, and Government will assist the family to repatriate his body to Zimbabwe for burial," Ncube said.

The minister did not disclose the identity of the deceased or the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but said authorities were working with the family to facilitate the repatriation process.

Ncube said Government, working through several ministries, departments and agencies, continues to provide humanitarian assistance to Zimbabweans returning from South Africa following months of anti-immigrant unrest. The support includes temporary accommodation, food assistance, medical care, psychosocial counselling and transport to returnees' respective home districts.

She also commended churches, humanitarian organisations, private companies and individuals for complementing Government efforts to assist vulnerable families arriving at reception centres.

"The support we have received from our partners has been invaluable in ensuring that returning Zimbabweans are treated with dignity and receive the assistance they need during this difficult period," she said.

Meanwhile, humanitarian partners continued to mobilise relief assistance for returnees. The Rotary Club of Matopos donated clothing, including jackets, dresses, blouses, tracksuits and pyjamas, with the items targeted mainly at women and children staying at the transit centre. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also handed over essential supplies comprising 1,500 kilograms of mealie meal, sanitary pads, 150 blankets and 100 mattresses to support displaced families. The donations are expected to ease pressure on reception facilities as more Zimbabweans continue to return home.

The Government has established reception centres in border and urban areas to coordinate the reintegration of returnees following the recent anti-immigrant violence in South Africa. Officials say the centres provide immediate humanitarian assistance while facilitating onward transport to beneficiaries' communities. The latest developments come amid ongoing efforts by Government and humanitarian organisations to support thousands of Zimbabweans affected by the unrest, with authorities urging communities to welcome returnees and assist them in rebuilding their lives.

Zimbabweans returning from South Africa