Lindela Repatriation Centre

The Lindela Repatriation Centre is a detention centre for undocumented migrants in South Africa.^[1] The Lindela Repatriation Centre (Lindela) is one of South Africa’s largest facilities for the holding of undocumented migrants. These people are all awaiting determination of their legal status in South Africa (or deportation). Due to an ever increasing burden on SAPS holding cells and the lack of detention capacity in the country’s prisons, the need for a repatriation centre in Gauteng was identified by the Department of Home Affairs. In 1996, Lindela was opened to meet this requirement. It claims to be compliant with all good governance and lawful criteria.

The Department of Home Affairs is legally and administratively responsible for all matters pertaining to the apprehension, holding, processing, repatriation and release of illegal aliens at the Lindela repatriation centre.

Detainees are repatriated and transported by Home Affairs, almost on a daily basis, to border posts or OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria Airport.

Controversies

The centre has been strongly criticized for corruption, overcrowding and abuse of detainees ^[2] and serious concerns have been expressed about human rights violations.^[3][4] Popular movements like Abahlali baseMjondolo in Durban^[5] and the Anti-Privatisation Forum in Johannesburg^[6] have called for Lindela to be shut down.

In March^[7] and June^[8] 2012 there were riots at the centre. Various reports critical of abuses of human rights at the centre have been ignored.^[9]

In October 2014, detainees stopped a hunger strike after they claimed guards attacked them using rubber bullets and batons.^[10]

The ANC Women's League has shares in the centre.^[11]

Notes and references

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