27 Malawians who were on their way to South Africa have been deported back into the country after they were arrested in Harare, Zimbabwe.

It is said they left the country six months ago going to the Rainbow Nation using unchartered routes.

Mwanza Border Immigration spokesperson Pasqually Zulu confirmed of the development.

According to Zulu, the group comprised of 24 men and three women.

He further added that they revealed that they left the country using unchartered routes between Dedza and Ntcheu districts without travelling documents.

Zulu also revealed that most of the deportees are from Mangochi, Balaka and Machinga districts.

“No proper documentation and use of unchartered routes by Malawian nationals remains a big challenge to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services despite the department’s efforts in bringing its services closer to people,” Zulu said.

Their trip back home was funded by International Organization for Migration (I.O.M).