The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
THE number of Mozambicans fleeing from Renamo attacks to Chipinge has reached 712.
This was revealed by acting District Administrator, Mr Freeman Mavhiza, while briefing Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs, Cde Mandi Chimene in Chipinge on Monday.
“We had recorded a total of 712 Mozambican nationals seeking refuge in our district. This is an increase from the 514 Mozambicans we recorded last month. The number can be more than that because there are some areas where foreigners settling there were not recorded.
“When these foreigners enter this country they resist being accommodated at the well designate Tongogara Refugee Camp claiming that they have extended families.
“We are always encouraging them to visit the camp before they are reunited with their relatives.
“One Mozambican recently died, but the cause of death was not disclosed. We are also establishing new camps in areas such as Mahenye under Chief Mpungu’s area. Some are claiming that they are returning Zimbabweans,” said Mr Mavhiza.
Member of National Assembly for Chipinge South, Cde Enock Porusingazi, expressed concern over the plight of Mozambicans fleeing the Renamo attacks.
Cde Porusingazi said scores of Mozambicans were in dire need of food aid.
“The number of Renamo-fleeing Mozambicans is continuing to grow mainly in Chipinge South. I believe that the total number of them is bigger than we may think. We have been engaging the community to assist them with food handouts, but now the situation is worse because of the ever increasing number of Mozambicans flocking into Zimbabwe.
“The majority of them are just coming empty-handed.
“Though UN refugee agencies have intervened, more should be done to give them decent accommodation as well as assisting them with periodic food supplies because the area they are staying is drought prone,” said Cde Porusingazi.
A check by The Manica Post this week revealed that those who escaped with their property were selling the items for a song.
