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Last Updated: Thursday, 31 January 2008, 09:42 GMT
In pictures: SA homeless church raid

Police conduct a raid on the Central Methodist Church in central Johannesburg

South African police have raided a Johannesburg church and detained about 1,500 homeless people, many from Zimbabwe.

Police conduct a raid on the Central Methodist Church in central Johannesburg

The police said they were looking for drugs, guns and illegal immigrants at the Central Methodist Church.

Police conduct a raid on the Central Methodist Church in central Johannesburg

The church is a haven for refugees from neighbouring Zimbabwe, where the economy is in deep crisis.

Police conduct a raid on the Central Methodist Church in central Johannesburg

Hundreds of men, many barefooted and bare-chested, lined up outside the building.

Police conduct a raid on the Central Methodist Church in central Johannesburg

South Africa's own economy is under strain and the government has begun to stiffen its attitude to refugees.



SEE ALSO
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UN 'should tackle Zimbabwe'
17 Apr 03 |  UK Politics



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