The growing wave of anti-migrant tensions in South Africa has triggered a major return of foreign nationals, with Malawi announcing the repatriation of more than 38,000 citizens within one month.
Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management said six people died during the journey home, with officials linking the deaths to illness and difficulties accessing medical care while fleeing the unrest.
Commissioner Wilson Moleni said some returnees were forced to move from place to place and spent time in camps, worsening their health conditions.
“Because they were being chased and moving from place to place, they were unable to access their medicines and hospital care”, he said.
The repatriation exercise, which took place between June 7 and July 8, involved more than 570 buses transporting citizens back to Malawi.
The move follows weeks of protests and unrest in South Africa targeting immigrants accused by some groups of taking jobs and resources.
Several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe, have also recorded the return of citizens amid growing concerns over migrant safety.
South African border authorities said about 60,000 people have been repatriated or deported during the period, with thousands returning to their home countries.
