Malawians who were arrested in a mass crackdown on illegal immigrants soon after the xenophobic attacks in South Africa are still detained at Lindela Repatriation Centre, Malawi24 has learnt.

Malawi24 spoke to several Malawians on the streets of Johannesburg and Durban which were hotspots of the attacks. They revealed that people arrested in the mass joint operation by South African Defence Force (SADF), Home Affairs Officials and other security groups have not yet been repatriated to their respective countries.

I am receiving calls from home to update them on the arrest of my nephew some months ago. I have no any information when he will be repatriated,” said Brenda Banda whose nephew is detained at Lindela.

Another Malawian who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “It is very painful to be detained for more than three months at Lindela. We know they are just staying there waiting for their repatriation but this is stressing.”

The Malawians were arrested for living in South Africa without proper documentation. The mass arrests were made in the months of April, May, June and July soon after the Xenophobic attacks in an operation widely known as Fiela.(Malawi 24)