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September 2009 Vol 12, National News

Zimbabwean refugees demand alternative accommodation

By Staff reporter and agencies   Sun, Nov 01, 2009

The Africa Heritage Human Rights Forum has announced it plans to sue authorities for the unannounced visit to the Central Methodist Church in the Johannesburg CBD.

The Africa Heritage Human Rights Forum has announced it plans to sue authorities for the unannounced visit to the Central Methodist Church in the Johannesburg CBD.

Officials of the Health and Social Development Portfolio Committee visited the facility in the early hours of Friday morning, declaring it a health hazard.

 A high level meeting involving provincial government, NGOs, the church and other stakeholders is scheduled this week to discuss the church's future.

The committee has recommended it be closed down.

The forum said the government delegation was accompanied by heavily armed police when they arrived at the church at four in the morning.

It said Zimbabweans taking refuge at the church will not be bullied into leaving if government decides to close the mission down.

Zimbabweans say they will not move until a sustainable plan of action is put forward.

They added the tenuous political situation in their motherland makes it impossible for them to return.

 They are demanding that government provide alternative accommodation.

By Staff reporter and agencies

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