South Africa has processed more than 15,000 Malawian nationals for departure from the country ahead of anti-immigration marches scheduled for next week, amid growing concerns the demonstrations could turn violent.
Citizen-led groups have set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa and have called for nationwide protests, fuelling fears of a resurgence in xenophobic attacks.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said 15,162 Malawian nationals had so far been processed for deportation and repatriation, while thousands of others remain in makeshift camps awaiting verification.
“To date, a total of 15,162 Malawian nationals have been processed for deportation and repatriation, and more are still undergoing the verification process,” Kubayi said.
Living conditions in parts of southeastern KwaZulu-Natal province, where Malawians had gathered for weeks, had become “untenable”, she said.
