Cape Town – Confusion continues to haunt refugees sheltering in and around the Central Methodist Mission Church in the CBD ahead of the completion of a verification process on Friday.
This as the refugees said a number of people were arrested when they arrived at the centre as they did not have documentation.
Police spokesperson Siyabulela Malo said no refugees were arrested, while Home Affairs said one person was arrested.
The City has been taking refugees to a venue in Salt River in compliance with a recent high court judgement by Judge Daniel Thulare.
Refugee spokesperson Lubangi Bin Lutula said: “Our understanding of the verification process was that if someone didn’t have documents, they (Home Affairs) would provide us with documents.
“What happened (at the venue)
is that they didn’t give any documents to refugees who didn’t have documents.
“They got arrested instead and some of them were beaten by the police.”
He said some of the arrested refugees were later released, but didn’t know why they were arrested and taken to Maitland police station.
Home Affairs spokesperson Siyabulela Qoza said: “There is one person who was arrested for fraud last week.
“As a department we take action as soon as we become aware of fraud or any other form of malfeasance.
“The other people were held at the police cells in line with immigration laws and practices.
“They were released on Saturday after being given notice to appear in court.”
Safety and security director Richard Bosman confirmed the seven-day verification process would conclude on Friday
“The court order allows the City to enforce its by-laws once the verification process is completed.
“As indicated before, the City is committed to resolving the matter as speedily as possible, in line with the court order, and we ask that the public will allow the Department of Home Affairs and the City to give effect to the order.”