South Africa has repatriated about 5,000 undocumented Malawian nationals as authorities intensify efforts to address growing tensions over illegal immigration, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has said.

Kubayi disclosed this during a visit to a temporary repatriation centre in Durban alongside government officials and Malawi’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Stella Ndau.

Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane warned that law enforcement agencies would take decisive action against anyone engaging in unlawful activities during immigration-related protests, stressing that adequate security measures were in place to maintain order.

The South African government also reaffirmed its commitment to preserving diplomatic relations with African countries despite increasing pressure over anti-migrant protests targeting undocumented foreign nationals.

Deputy International Relations Minister Thandi Moraka said Pretoria was engaging regional partners through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) to address migration challenges and promote the regularisation of cross-border movement.

Officials said regional cooperation would be crucial to managing migration issues while maintaining stability and diplomatic ties across the continent.