Zimbabwean authorities deported two American filmmakers Thursday after arresting them earlier this week as they were working on a documentary on rape with Girl Child Network Director Betty Makoni, a lawyer for the activist and the filmmakers said.

Police released Makoni late Wednesday, but they said she might be called in again.

Filmmakers Michealene Risley, the Founder of Fresh Water Spigot, and her assistant, Lauren Carara, both of San Mateo, California, were put aboard a commercial flight to South Africa although their lawyer, Dzimbabwe Chimbwa, had filed an urgent appeal in High Court against the deportation which was granted after their departure.

Its Web site says Fresh Water Spigot is a “creative content company" that makes films on “subjects or individuals that educate and inspire social change.”

The Web site said Risley is making a documentary on the rape and sexual abuse of women and girls in Zimbabwe called “Silent Bravery,” focusing on Makoni’s work.

Makoni told reporter Patience Rusere of VOA's Studio 7 about the police arrests.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...