Over 116,000 Zimbabweans flee South Africa after xenophobic attacks

More than 116,000 Zimbabweans have returned home from South Africa in recent weeks. The mass exodus follows a surge in xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals. Many of the returnees say they fled attacks on their homes and businesses. South African authorities have reported multiple incidents of looting and physical assaults in townships. The Zimbabwean government has set up temporary reception centers at border posts. Officials are providing food, shelter, and transport assistance to the arrivals. South Africa is home to an estimated two million Zimbabwean migrants. Many work in mining, farming, and domestic service. The violence has strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.