Malawian migrants returning home from South Africa have alleged they were forced to pay impromptu 'fines' while transiting through Mozambique on their journey back to Malawi.
Speaking to IOL, several Malawians said that after their coach crossed into Mozambican territory, officials boarded the vehicle and demanded money from passengers.
'Everything was fine when we left South Africa, but as soon as our bus entered Mozambique, they got on and started asking why we did not have our documents in order and asking other questions. Then they demanded money — at least 12 dollars. Those who did not have that amount were removed from the bus and taken to a room. We do not know what happened to them,' said Ebrahim, a migrant who had lived in South Africa for more than ten years.
Ebrahim said he decided to leave South Africa out of fear for his safety, leaving behind his South African wife and children. His account of Mozambican officials demanding money was corroborated by several other passengers travelling on the same coach.
Imtiaz Sooliman, of humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers, said that no individual who formed part of the official repatriation programme was subjected to extortion.
'All the Malawians and Zimbabweans who left the centres we were involved with passed through Musina. If they left on their own, they had no government protection,' Sooliman said.
Official figures indicate that just over 15,000 Malawians have left South Africa since 25 June. However, the actual number is believed to be significantly higher when those who returned voluntarily are taken into account.
Thousands of other Malawian nationals remain in South Africa awaiting repatriation. Meanwhile, the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has closed its repatriation centre in Durban, shifting processing and deportation efforts to Musina in Limpopo province. Malawians represent the majority of those seeking repatriation.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/07/06/mundo/africa/malaui-migrantes-relatam-situacoes-irregulares-na-travessia-por-mocambique/
