The Immigration department of Mozambique has repatriated 16 Malawian nationals arrested during a sweeping exercise.

Mwanza Immigration spokesperson Pasqually Zulu confirmed of the development in an interview with the press, saying the victims arrived in the country on Wednesday, May 31, 2017.

According to Zulu, the Malawian nationals were in Moatize,Tete provice during the sweeping exercise which was conducted by security agencies.

“Lack of proper documentation and illegal stay were the reasons behind the deportation.

“15 of them were women and 1 male,” reads in part the statement.

Added Zulu: “They have been released upon being advised on the need to follow the right procedures when they want to travel or stay in any foreign country.”