JOHANNESBURG, June 22 (Xinhua) -- About 500 Malawian nationals are currently waiting in Sophiatown, Johannesburg, for repatriation to their home country, a South African official said on Monday.
According to William Baloyi, the country's deputy government spokesperson, the government has relocated the group from Cape Town to Johannesburg, with the Malawian diplomatic mission facilitating their return.
He noted that the Malawians are temporarily housed in a church and are expected to leave soon, and police have been deployed in the area to maintain security.
"Government remains committed to ensuring that all interventions are guided by the rule of law, respect for human dignity, and regional cooperation, while safeguarding the safety and stability of communities," he said.
"Any actions that may inflame tensions or undermine due process will not assist in resolving the matter," Baloyi said, calling on all communities to remain calm and to allow relevant authorities to manage the situation in a lawful, orderly and humane manner.
The latest development unfolded ahead of a planned nationwide protest dubbed the "June 30 shutdown," organized by local anti-immigration groups calling for the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from South Africa.
In recent weeks, anti-immigrant protests and attacks have been reported in several communities, with some foreign-owned businesses looted and residents forced to seek refuge in churches and community halls.
South African authorities have repeatedly condemned acts of violence and emphasized that immigration-related concerns should be addressed through legal channels.
According to local media, more than 1,000 Malawian nationals have already been repatriated, while citizens of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Ghana and Nigeria have also returned to their respective countries. ■
