Refugees taken to place of ‘safety’ in Ruwa

By Alex Bell
28 June 2008

More than 200 Epworth residents who fled to the South African Embassy in Zimbabwe last Sunday have been removed to a “place of safety” outside Harare, according to South Africa’s Foreign Affairs department.

Original reports on Friday indicated the group of refugees were evicted from the Embassy’s parking lot, where they were taking shelter following an outbreak of politically motivated violence. According to press reports, many had also been caught up in the police raid on the MDC offices on Monday. Most of the victims interviewed said they felt safer at the South African embassy than in any other part of the country.

According to South Africa’s Foreign Affairs spokesman, Ronnie Mamoepa, the move was part of agreement facilitated on Friday by South Africa’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Lungisi Makalima.

Mamoepa told Newsreel Saturday that the refugee camp in Ruwa will have twenty four hour security to ensure the safety of the people there. He said: “A committee comprising of all stakeholders will meet daily to assess the security and other needs of the group, and make necessary recommendations to relative authorities”.

Other organisations who supported the move included the Zimbabwean National and International Red Cross, the United Nations, the United Nations Children's Fund, the International Organisation for Migration, the Zimbabwean Council of Churches, the Christian Alliance, Zimbabwe Social Welfare Department, and other representatives.

The Zimbabwean Red Cross however is unfortunately heavily compromised in its agreement to care for the refugees, because of suggestions of links with Zanu PF.