South African police have raided a church that was a sanctuary for Zimbabwean refugees, it was reported today.
It was reported the raid occurred around midnight at the Central Methodist Church in downtown Johannesburg, and that hundreds were arrested. The church had become a refugee camp for those fleeing an economic crisis in Zimbabwe.
About 1,000 Zimbabweans were staying in the church's homeless shelter, with the blessing of church officials. They slept on mats inside and outside the building and were fed each day.
Bishop Paul Verryn accused the police of using excessive force on church workers and those staying at the shelter. "They did not have a warrant," Dr Verryn said. "They have pushed me around and treated us despicably."
Zimbabwe is struggling with soaring poverty and inflation, unemployment of around 80 per cent and shortages of food, fuel, water, electricity and hard currency.
An estimated 4,000 Zimbabweans cross into South Africa each day to look for food and work.