Home affairs reconsiders security contract amid escape of 69 undocumented foreigners

The escape of 69 undocumented foreign nationals from the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp is being looked into by the Department of Home Affairs.

In order to determine the best course of action, the R58.1 million annual contract with EnviroMongz, a facilities management business, is also being “scrutinised”.

The government claimed in a statement that the breakout happened on Sunday, March 17 at 11:50 and that it started as a result of an altercation between those who were in queue for deportation and employees of the contractor who manages the facility’s security.

 

“The department is unhappy about the circumstances and the manner under which this escape happened because we believe enough could have been done by the management company and its security to prevent this incident. Hence, the contract is being scrutinised to decide on the best course of action.” .Meanwhile, the department replaced the previous security company at the gate and took over access control and security.

Including the escapees, there were 1, 521 undocumented foreign nationals scheduled for deportation at the time of the escape.

The countries of destination for the individuals’ deportation were Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe.

622 persons have already been deported as a result of the deportations proceeding. EnviroMongz’s comment and any more details regarding the escapees’ arrest were not immediately available, but they will be published as soon as they are.

Home Affairs Minister speaks up

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi revealed to SABC in a television interview that there was another attempt at escape on Monday.

“So, we are very unhappy about what happened on Sunday. The security company has a lot to account for.”

He said the company’s responses were “not satisfactory” and footage showed people just walking out.

He said two security guards were also arrested because during the second escape on Monday, somebody was shot in an altercation with guards.

 

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