"I wanna Go Home". That was the subject of my youngest brother's email. Days after the violence has died down in South Africa, the impact is now starting to be felt.

My brother had resolved that he would not flee the xenophobic attacks. He said he would stay in South Africa as he felt there was rule of law and the police would protect him.

However, today he finally broke and said he wanted out. Remember my sister left as soon as the attacks, which claimed more than 50 lives, started.

He said while the violence has died down, he no longer has a job, no money and has no place to stay.

South African landlords cashing in on the desperate plight of foreigners were charging high nightly rates.

"We have to pay for a shower too," he says.

He realises that Zimbabwe is not the safest place for young unemployed men, but has nowhere else to run to.

Like a number of Zimbabweans, he thinks the violence in South Africa is a well orchestrated plot to get as many Zimbabweans back to their country to vote.

"The more people who cast their votes, the easier it will be for Bob (Robert Mugabe) to rig the elections," he says.

He reminds me that the South African high commission in Harare was closed for several days before and after the elections. This was done to reduce the number of people travelling outside the country.