The government says 42 553 Zimbabweans have returned from South Africa through state-supported repatriation arrangements as of October 6, 2026, while a further 154 741 have returned independently.
The number of returnees has declined significantly under both categories, according to a post-Cabinet briefing presented by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe.
Of those assisted through government arrangements, 10 475 were adult men, 13 631 adult women, 9 001 male minors and 9 446 female minors.
The report said 700 deportees from South Africa’s Lindela Repatriation Centre had been received at the Beitbridge Reception and Support Centre as of September 24.
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The government said the Joint Operations Command (JOC) remained central to screening and processing deportees, some of whom had been serving prison sentences in South Africa.
“Some of the deportees are convicts who were serving sentences in South African prisons and are required to complete the remainder of their sentences in Zimbabwe,” the report said.
It added that the JOC’s involvement was necessary to ensure deportees were properly screened and that cases requiring further legal or correctional action were handled appropriately.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe assisted 87 012 Malawian nationals returning to Malawi through the country. All had since left Zimbabwe and were accounted for, the report said.
The government said it would continue monitoring movements across the region and remained prepared to respond to any increase in the number of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa.
“Although the number of returnees has declined, the continued monitoring of movements remains necessary to ensure that returning nationals are received, screened and supported where required,” the report said.
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