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Cops slam Zim alien claims
01/02/2006 08:43 - (SA)
Musina - South African police have denied there's been a surge in the number of Zimbabweans entering the country illegally.
Limpopo police spokesperson Superintendent Ronel Otto denied Zimbabwean press reports that about 100 Zimbabweans were illegally entering South Africa every day and that 25 were arrested daily.
"There is no significant increase as compared to previous years but this doesn't mean that they are not crossing illegally on a daily basis," she said.
She said that between December 29 and January 27 about 2 386 Zimbabweans were arrested along the border area as they tried to cross the Limpopo River illegally.
She said the number of women illegal crossers had increased, however.
"I cannot give a motive for the women who cross into the country, as we hand them over to the department of home affairs after arresting them," she said.
Recent media reports suggested pregnant Zimbabwean women were crossing into the country to give birth so that they could qualify for monthly child support grants of R180.
Zimbabwe is reeling under its worst economic downturn in history, following government-led farm invasions.
Zimbabweans do not need to apply for a visa to enter South Africa but they have to have at least R1 000 on them before entering the country.
Otto could not confirm the existence of syndicates that help smuggle illegal Zimbabweans into South Africa.
- African Eye
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