Thousands live in fear of being arrested but cannot access documents from Home Affairs

Thousands of people coming to South Africa from war-torn countries, or countries rife with political unrest, say they live in constant fear of being arrested. This is despite numerous attempts, some since 2020, to apply for asylum at the Department of Home Affairs. According to leaders of immigrant communities in Diepsloot, they are aware of at least 15 people currently being held at the Lindela Repatriation Centre due to their inability to access asylum documents. Head of penal reform at Lawyers for Human Rights, Nabeelah Mia, unpacks this conversation further. Tune into Newzroom Afrika DStv channel 405 for more.