Home Affairs moves 274 asylum seekers and refugees to Lindela after Durban stand-off

The Department of Home Affairs relocated 274 asylum seekers and refugees from outside their Durban offices to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, on Tuesday. Initially, 278 individuals agreed to the move, but four withdrew, leaving 274 people transferred. The relocated individuals hailed from the Democratic Republic of Congo (191), Burundi (76), Uganda (5), Mozambique (1), and Ghana (1).

The decision to relocate came after discussions between the department and community representatives who had been demonstrating outside the Durban office. The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration presented two options to the displaced communities: returning to their homes or relocating to Lindela. The department opted for relocation to Lindela following consultations.

Law enforcement officers escorted the group throughout the relocation, and Che Guevara Road was cleared under police escort to ensure public order, in line with municipal regulations.