Beit Bridge back to normal
2002-03-17 20:45
Messina - The movement of Zimbabweans across the South African border at
Beit Bridge was described as normal by the department of home
affairs on Sunday, with none having applied for asylum at Messina
since the announcement of the outcome of last week's controversial
presidential election, won by incumbent Robert Mugabe.
Addressing the media on behalf of Home Affairs director-general
Billy Masethla, spokesperson Leslie Mashokwe said an estimated 16 900
Zimbabweans had crossed the border into their country legally
during the period of March 1 to 10.
A further 9 729 had entered South Africa, while 1 728 Zimbabweans
were repatriated after entering this country illegally.
"These figures indicated how keen the Zimbabweans were in
participating in their country's elections," Mashokwe said.
The department together with security forces and several other
government departments had been ready to deal with any eventuality - and remained so.
"We must, however, point out that within the National Disaster
Management activity, we will continue to prepare areas such as
Arton Villa as a welcome centre for displaced people whatever the
cause," he said.
- SAPA