The Lindela Repatriation Centre turned away two buses carrying Malawian nationals on 6 July after reaching full capacity. This occurred as foreign nationals fled recent anti-foreigner unrest across South Africa.
The Department of Home Affairs stated that no prior arrangements had been made with the facility and that admissions occur during working hours. Officials added that the Malawian embassy had not confirmed the nationality of those on the buses.
Malawian national Mary Banda, who had lived in Johannesburg since 2017, described being held at Lindela with limited food and cases of gastroenteritis among the group. She departed the centre after three days and returned to Malawi on 12 July.
At the Musina Temporary Repatriation Centre, Médecins Sans Frontières reported 4,000 people registered on 13 July. The organisation noted concerns over medication access for patients with TB and HIV.
