Story perspectives

South Africa Deports 53,000 Migrants, Mostly Malawians, Sparking Diplomatic Tension

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

According to the justice ministry, South Africa deported over 53,000 African migrants in a month.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said over 80% of those sent home were from Malawi.
Police arrested 350 people for violence, intimidation and unauthorized immigration checks.
Authorities are investigating deaths of two Mozambican and one Malawian migrants after Nigeria said they were not protest-related.
Deportations have created diplomatic tension with the migrants’ home countries.

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Story summary

According to the justice ministry, South Africa deported over 53,000 African migrants in a month.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said over 80% of those sent home were from Malawi.
Police arrested 350 people for violence, intimidation and unauthorized immigration checks.
Authorities are investigating deaths of two Mozambican and one Malawian migrants after Nigeria said they were not protest-related.
Deportations have created diplomatic tension with the migrants’ home countries.