Minister of Foreign Affairs Eisenhower Mkaka has said government will not be responsible for the cost that may rise during the repatriation of expelled diplomats form South Africa.

Mkaka said this yesterday during a press briefing on the matter.

Over the weekend, South African government declared all diplomats at Malawian mission in Pretoria persona non grata on accusations that they were misusing their privileges by smuggling alcohol bought at duty free.

The diplomats are scheduled to be in the country by Wednesday this week.

According to Mkaka, the expelled diplomats have already been served with letters before the incident and preparations were made for them to return home.

Following the incident, Mkaka said no more arrangements will be made to sponsor their repatriation.

Meanwhile, temporary mission has already been sent to South Africa with an aim of keeping operations moving at the embassy.