Pretoria, South Africa – A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday at the Home Affairs office in Marabastad, Pretoria, resulting in one fatality and injuries to over 20 people during a stampede. The incident took place amidst growing frustrations among foreign nationals seeking asylum documentation.
Foreign nationals, primarily from African countries, have been queuing for months outside the Home Affairs offices in Marabastad. Many allege that obtaining asylum documentation requires bribes to expedite the process. This frustration has been exacerbated by the lack of adequate facilities and services at the office.
The Marabastad Home Affairs office is one of five in the country that handles refugee and asylum seeker applications. Each day is designated for different nationalities, leading to long queues and overcrowding. Refugees often start queuing at dawn and may remain in line until dusk, with limited access to food or water.
Refugees have expressed concerns about the chaotic conditions and alleged corruption within the office. They have called on the South African government to intervene and address the systemic issues that contribute to such tragic incidents.
Police have launched an investigation into the stampede and are working to determine the exact cause of the tragedy. Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, Gauteng Police, confirmed that one person died and 20 others were injured.
The African Diaspora Forum has expressed its deep sadness over the loss of life and called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The forum emphasized the need to address the systemic problems plaguing refugee reception centers, which have become overcrowded and inadequate.
The Department of Home Affairs has not yet issued an official comment on the incident.
