According to Mmemme Mogotsi, deputy assistant commissioner in charge of communications for the Border Management Authority, 38,000 people have been through the temporary repatriation centre, set up on 26 June on Department of Public Works land about 15km outside the town of Musina. Most are from Zimbabwe and Malawi.

In total, more than 50,000 immigrants have fled the country through all border posts since the wave of xenophobia started, Mogotsi told GroundUp.

Many have left behind furniture and other possessions they had accumulated over many years.