Refugee Leader Bishop Raphael Bahebwa Goes Into Hiding After Receiving Death Threats
- Bishop Raphael Bahebwa, spokesperson for displaced refugees camped near Durban's Home Affairs office, discussed the death threats he received
- The refugee community has been at the makeshift camp outside Durban Home Affairs for nearly four months, after being driven out of local communities
- March and March Movement members have clashed with the foreign nationals in Che Guevara Road, with some clashes turning violent
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
KWAZULU-NATAL — Bishop Raphael Bahebwa, the religious leader and spokesperson for a group of displaced refugees camped outside the Department of Home Affairs on Che Guevara Road in Durban, says he is in hiding.
Bishop Bahebwa say that he was forced to go into hiding after receiving serious threats against his life. The threats come as the refugee community he represents faces mounting pressure from anti-immigration groups and government deadlines.
In a video interview published by IOL News on 11 September, Bahebwa spoke candidly about the dangers he faces personally and the deteriorating conditions confronting refugees who have been sheltering at the makeshift camp for close to four months.
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Violence continues as deadlines loom
Bishop Bahebwa said a community member, identified only as Mr Simon, was attacked the day before the interview was filmed. He alleged that police at the station were reluctant to open a case number for the victim.
He also pointed to upcoming deadlines for foreign nationals to leave the country, on 30 September, as sources of heightened anxiety for refugees who have already lost jobs and livelihoods. Many who were sent back to surrounding communities have reportedly been subjected to further attacks, leaving them with nowhere to go.
Despite the threats to his life and the precarious situation of those he represents, Bahebwa insisted the group had no intention of leaving.
"We are here, and we're not going anywhere. "We just need temporary shelter for this large number who are going to remain in Durban."
He stressed that most refugees hold legally verified documentation and that the South African government had a responsibility to honour its original promise of temporary shelter.
Other stories about the Congolese nationals
- Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma demanded the deportation of Congolese nationals during demonstrations in Durban.
- The SA First Forum threatened action if Congolese nationals got accommodation before the April 2022 flood victims.
- A Congolese national was arrested after striking a police officer with a stone during a confrontation in Durban.
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Source: Briefly News
