Govt cautions Malawians on xenophobic attacks in SA
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has advised Malawians living in South Africa to stay away from communities where there are incidences of violence for their safety.
In a press statement issued Wednesday, the Ministry further cautions those under threat of any kind to present themselves to the nearest Police Station and immediately report to the High Commission in Pretoria or the Consulate in Johannesburg.
In the statement, government reiterated the call for truck drivers and those who are planning to travel to South Africa by road to consider suspending such trips during this period until such a time that the security situation improves.
The statement comes amid reports of the latest spate of xenophobic attacks where foreigners, including Malawians, living in South Africa have been attacked and a number of shops and dwelling places belonging to African migrants and trucks have been looted and set alight particularly in the Johannesburg and Pretoria Central Business Districts (CBDs).
Reads the statement in part: “As it is the duty of the Malawi Government to ensure that its entire citizenry remains safe. The Government, through the Malawi Mission in South Africa, is closely monitoring the situation.
“Government further wishes to remind all Malawians living abroad, including in South Africa, to abide by the laws of the host countries to avoid being found on wrong side of the law.”
The Ministry has since condemned the xenophobic attacks adding that it is working with its South African counterparts to ensure that all Malawians in South Africa are provided with adequate security.
