Zimbabweans Die Everyday in South Africa

The death toll from September xenophobic attacks on immigrants in a Chavani village outside Elim in Limpopo has risen to four. Zimbabwe Consul General Melody Chaurura confirmed Monday that Zimbabwean national Tops Mutanho had succumbed to his injuries on 26 September.

“Mutanho, a male Zimbabwe national from Chivi area village, succumbed to injuries sustained from mob justice after he was said to have been found in possession of stolen copper cables,” said Chaurura. Two other victims who were burnt beyond recognition, have now been identified as Johan Munago and Amon Munago, both from Chivi in Masvingo. The third victim is yet to be identified. More than 200 people fled into the bush after the attacks on 18 September.

Chaurura said the deceased was yet to be repatriated pending forensic investigations. Dockets relating to the cases were opened at Waterval Police Station but no one has been arrested yet. Thomas Shonhai, a relative of the Munago brothers said that he had been told by the community that they had been found in possession of stolen solar panels and cables.

The angry Chavani community beat them until the two led the community to the person who sold them the solar panels. The accused denied stealing the solar panels. During the mix of things the accused managed to escape, leaving the Munagos in trouble,” said Shonhai. Shonhai is living from a piece job and says he cannot afford to repatriate his relatives.

The Zimbabwean consulate says it has offered repatriation to families affected by the violence but has no budget for repatriation. She said she will keep working with local authorities to ensure the protection of Zimbabwean nationals and temporary shelter for the displaced families. At least 113 Zimbabweans were affected by the violence but some had not been counted as they were still in hiding.

The Red Cross is appealing for donations in order to continue providing food, psychosocial services, and other provisions to displaced families.