Press Statement for Immediate Release

26 August 2008

Threat against Zimbabweans increased

More refugees will flow in

We call for urgent attention to the current situation facing Zimbabwean refugees in South Africa and Zimbabwean nationals at home. Zimbabwe is currently more at risk of civil conflict than it has been since its independence. We welcome the breakthrough, by the MDC member of parliament Lovemore Moyo, in his appointment as Speaker of Parliament and see this as a step toward the toppling of the current corrupt leadership. However we believe that the violence and suffering by the Zimbabwean people on the ground will increase as a result of this substantial threat that the opposition poses to Mugabe. We expect an increase in brutality from the Mugabe regime due to the pressure he is currently under. In light of this we expect a further increase in the influx of refugees to South Africa. Furthermore we have received a drastic increase in the number of reports of physical abuse toward Zimbabwean nationals returning from South Africa: they are classified as opposition members and targeted by elements implementing violence, for which Zanu-PF is so clearly responsible.

We are concerned that South Africans may believe that in light of the recent developments in Zimbabwe the situation has stabilized. We reiterate that conditions in Zimbabwe are worsening. We urge the South African government to refrain from deporting any Zimbabwean nationals to Zimbabwe in light of the serious threat they will face upon their return home.

For comment

Passop chairperson - Braam Hanekom - 0832561140