Mozambican authorities deport 180 Tanzanians

Mozambican immigration authorities have deported 180 Tanzanians through the Newala border in Mtwara region, a senior Tanzanian official said on Wednesday.

Avod Mmanda, the Acting Mtwara Regional Commissioner, said some of the deported Tanzanians claimed to have been raped by Mozambican police.

"We are investigating on these claims," said Mmanda, adding that there were also reports that the victims' money and property were stolen before they were repatriated.

Susan Kolimba, Tanzania's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, said its envoy to Mozambique has been tasked to probe the deportations.

"We are awaiting to hear from our envoy in Maputo so that we can be in a position to know what had transpired," she told a news conference in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

Rose Mhagama, the Mtwara Regional Deputy Commissioner for Immigration, said reports reaching Tanzania indicated that there were more Tanzanians lined up for deportation.

"We have learned that they are being deported in batches," said the immigration officer.

Some of the deported Tanzanians claimed that their property, including passports and money had been confiscated before they were put in custody for three days while in Mozambique.

Matilda Mwakipesile said Mozambican police arrested her as she was doing her business and confiscated her money before they locked her in a cell for three days.

"I have been living in Mozambique for the past six years now. I was doing petty businesses, selling cold drinks and food," said Mwakipesile. Endit