100s seeking asylum in Limpopo

2008-09-05 18:15

Johannesburg - Hundreds of asylum seekers have been sleeping outside refugee offices in Musina, Limpopo, hoping to obtain temporary permits, the Department of Home Affairs said on Friday.

"We are not sure where these people are living, but what I gather is that they are arriving very early in the morning to be first in line," said spokesperson Siobhan McCarthy.

She said as many as 800 people - mostly Zimbabwean nationals - were lining up daily to obtain temporary permits.

"I understand that the department is processing at least 350 permits a day."

Almost 20 tents that some asylum seekers were being housed in were dismantled two weeks ago because of health and security reasons.

Musina Municipality spokesman Wilson Dzebu, said the tents were constructed without permission by church organisations and NGOs.

"We received various complaints from community members about criminal incidents...some tents were even erected along sewer lines.

"NGO's have come forward with concerns after the tents were dismantled...but we are now waiting for provincial government to give us (the) go-ahead to erect more," Dzebu said.

He said the registration process was moved to the local show grounds to accommodate the large numbers.

Superintendent Ronel Otto said the asylum seekers were being peaceful and there was no police presence in the area.

- SAPA