Separate buses carrying Zimbabweans from the Lindela Repatriation Centre also departed, bringing the total number to over 1,500.
Many of the women, including mothers travelling with their children, had documents confirming their illegal status in South Africa.
Public Order Police convoys escorted them into Musina. While most of them were reluctant to speak to the media, one of them told Eyewitness News that she is relieved to be leaving South Africa to go back home.
“I am tired but relieved. I am going to do business, sell chicken.”
Even as they prepared to leave South Africa, some deportees showed little acknowledgement of having entered the country illegally.
This position is not uncommon along this stretch of the border.
Just kilometres away, Zimbabwean border jumpers continue to cross the Limpopo River using raft boats, often transporting goods into South Africa to avoid paying customs duties.
As the sun sets over Ha Tshirudi, there is no sign of drones or Border Management Authority (BMA) patrols along some of the known crossing points.
Despite speeches about stricter control over migration, including soldiers deployed to protect this area in Ha Tshirudi, illegal movement across the porous border continues.
Dimakatso Leshoro
www.ewn.co.za
