150 Malawians Return Home Fleeing Xenophobic Violence In South Africa

A group of 150 Malawians who voluntarily left South Africa following recent xenophobic unrest have arrived in Malawi and were received at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Monday.

The returnees were welcomed under a government-led repatriation exercise coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi was expected to officially receive the group upon their arrival.

One of the returnees, Halifu Osman Malithano, who had lived in South Africa for three years, said the situation in Mossel Bay, near Cape Town, had become unbearable.

Malithano said the incidents he witnessed during the unrest had left him traumatised and that he currently has no plans to return to South Africa.

The repatriation exercise follows reports of attacks, intimidation and growing fears among foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, prompting some Malawians to seek assistance to return home.

Government officials say efforts are continuing to support affected Malawians and ensure the safe return of those who wish to leave the country.