Metro works with consulates and embassies to repatriate foreign nationals

About 221 foreign nationals who were housed at the two shelters set up by the metro in Katlehong have for their countries of origin last Thursday.

Ninety-six Zimbabwean nationals left Tsholo Hall in two buses in the morning, while 125 Mozambican nationals left in three buses in the afternoon from DH Williams Hall.

The mortal remains of Isaac Sithole from Zimbabwe, who died during the attacks in Mandela Park informal settlement in Katlehong, were also repatriated.

Ekurhuleni speaker of council Alde Patricia Kumalo officiated over a prayer service to send Sithole home and led the procession that went to Mandela informal settlement, where Sithole died for his family, to perform cultural rituals.

During the prayer service Kumalo urged residents of Ekurhuleni to denounce attacks on foreign nationals.

She also said that the metro will continue working with the relevant departments, embassies and consulates of different countries to curb the attacks.

The Zimbabwean nationals comprised 113 adults and 23 children.

All the children who left the centres were with their parents.

The metro worked with the embassies and consulates concerned, as well as the Department of Home Affairs for documentation for the undocumented nationals and those who lost their immigration documents during the attacks.

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Metro works with consulates and embassies to repatriate foreign nationals

In addition to providing humanitarian services to the displaced, the metro worked in collaboration with NGOs, faith-based organisations and relevant government departments to ensure safe repatriation of the displaced people who wished to return to their counties of origin.

The respective consulates carried the costs of repatriation.

Those who wanted to remain will be reintegrated into local communities after necessary consultations have been done with affected communities.

Consultations to reintegrate them into local communities have started.