164 Malawians Deported from South Africa Return Home as More Repatriates Expected

By Suleman Chitera

BLANTYRE, Malawi – Three buses carrying 164 Malawians deported from South Africa arrived at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Friday evening amid ongoing efforts to repatriate citizens affected by a crackdown on foreign nationals in the neighboring country.

The buses, facilitated by the South African government, transported Malawians who had been removed from South Africa as authorities intensify operations targeting undocumented migrants.Stanley Kenani Launches R10 Million Fund to Rescue Malawians Facing Xenophobic Threats in South Africa

Upon arrival, some of the returnees complained of hunger, saying they had spent at least four days travelling without food. Officials from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) responded by providing tea to the exhausted travellers.

Unlike previous groups of returnees, which mainly consisted of women and children, the latest arrivals were predominantly men.

Meanwhile, DoDMA has announced that 13 more buses carrying Malawians under the Malawi government’s voluntary repatriation programme are expected to arrive in the country on Saturday.Concerned citizen accuses Malawi High Commission in South Africa of failing to protect Malawians

According to the department, a total of 803 returnees are expected, comprising 359 women, 300 children and 144 infants.

The repatriation exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the Malawi government to assist citizens returning from South Africa following increased immigration enforcement measures in that country.Shepherd Bushiri Calls for National Unity in Support of Returning Malawians