Immigrants held in church raid
2008-01-31 09:59
Johannesburg - Church authorities have condemned the manner in which a police raid was conducted at the Central Methodist Church in downtown Johannesburg, SABC news reported on Thursday.
The midnight police raid on Wednesday resulted in the arrest of dozens of illegal immigrants.
The Central Methodist Church gives shelter to over 1 000 Zimbabweans and a smaller number of migrants from other countries.
Police began by rounding up nearly 400 people sleeping in the streets before assembling those inside the church building.
Men and women, young and old, were loaded onto police trucks and vans and transported to the Johannesburg Central police station.
However, two hours later, those found to have their papers in order were brought back to the church.
The rest faced the prospect of being deported, SABC reported.
- SAPA