The Botswana government has denied social media
reports that it was forcefully repatriating Zimbabwean nationals in that
country as a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19.
In a statement, Gaborone said it had noted with deep
concern the misinformation and distorted reports on social media platforms
regarding alleged forceful repatriation of Zimbabweans.
Instead, Botswana said on 16th April 2020, 255 Zimbabwean
nationals were voluntarily repatriated from Botswana by road and received by
Zimbabwean authorities at the Ramokgwebana Border Post.
Their repatriation request was in view of the nation-wide
lockdown imposed by the Botswana government.
The repatriated nationals were put in mandatory quarantine
for 21 days upon returning to Zimbabwe. “The assertion being made is completely inaccurate,” the
Botswana government said.
“The fact of the matter is that the recent repatriation
exercise was undertaken jointly with the government of Zimbabwe, following
requests from Zimbabwean nationals who wanted to be assisted to return home
amid the Coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown measures put in place.”
It added: “In appreciating the consequences of the lockdown
on movement restrictions and in keeping with the spirit of the exercise, none
of the repatriated individuals was charged for breaching immigration rules.”
Gaborone said the two Southern African neighbours remained
committed to working closely together in responding to the Covid-19 outbreak to
mitigate its impact on both countries, as well as, on the livelihood of their
nationals.
“In this context, the two countries will continue to
collaborate and coordinate voluntary repatriations when necessary.”
Botswana was also working with other governments to
facilitate the voluntary repatriation of their citizens from Botswana. New
Ziana
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