Govt deports 94 Lesotho nationals following Lindela riot
The Department of Home Affairs has deported 94 Lesotho nationals after another riot erupted at the Lindela Repatriation Centre.
The riot erupted after minister Aaron Motsoaledi left the facility on Wednesday.
Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza says the Lesotho nationals wanted to be sent home even though the repatriation processes were not concluded.
“Following the decision to deport the Lesotho nationals who were involved in the riots at Lindela Repatriation Centre, all 94 of those nationals are now at the Maseru border currently being processed to be returned home to Lesotho.
“The minister took the decision in consultation with the National Command Council plus the Lesotho government after the nationals had protested to go outside and not being subjected to the current lockdown regulations.”
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Several riots have erupted at the Lindela Repatriation Centre since Sunday.
This led to the escape of 37 immigrants who were also waiting to be deported.
The escapees have still not been caught.
“It is a criminal matter. An investigation into what the department is doing is being done by the department. The minister is on record saying that the escapes should not have happened,” adds Qoza.