Durban refugees refuse Lindela move and shelter at Glenwood’s Bulwer Park

More than 200 refugees in Durban refused to board buses to the Lindela Repatriation Centre in Gauteng and instead moved to Glenwood’s Bulwer Park, according to IOL. The group said they feared being sent to an uncertain environment and described Lindela as notorious for violence, corruption and human rights violations.

Who moved and why

According to IOL, the refugees had been living outside the Department of Home Affairs offices on Che Guevara Road since May 22 after being forced from their homes. Around half of the group reportedly boarded buses to Lindela, while more than 200 refused and moved to Glenwood’s Bulwer Park.

Claims from the refugees

The refugees told IOL they feared being moved to Lindela and repeated allegations that they had been forced from their homes by mobs and that their businesses had been destroyed or looted. They said they are documented refugees who fled repression and wars in their countries of origin and were violently expelled from their homes.

“Today, around half of the refugees who had been living on Che Guevara Road since May boarded buses to travel to Lindela, the notorious prison used to hold undocumented migrants prior to deportation,” they said, according to IOL.

Local response and arrangements

Pravin Amar, chairperson of the Glenwood Urban Improvement Precinct, told IOL that various roleplayers were monitoring the situation as the refugees settled into the park, including Metro Police, SAPS, the ratepayers’ association, the councillor, Glenwood UIP and its dedicated security team. Amar said the refugees were expected to leave the area later on Tuesday, IOL reported.

Uncertainty and calls for protection

The refugees told IOL they remained uncertain about their future after moving to the park. They asked for protection from attack, safe temporary accommodation and the measures necessary to return to ordinary life.

March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma rejected the refugees’ allegations, telling IOL the group had never produced proof for the claims that they were chased from their homes and asking why they had not opened a case against March and March.

Editor’s note: Article updated to correct location and attributions to align with the original source.