South Africa repatriates over 15,000 Malawians amid xenophobia fears
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
South Africa has processed more than 15,000 Malawian nationals for repatriation, with thousands more awaiting clearance, as the country faces anti-immigration marches that could turn violent. Citizen-led groups have set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave, raising fears of renewed xenophobic violence. Minister of Justice Mmamoloko Kubayi stated that 15,162 Malawian nationals have been processed for deportation and repatriation. Living conditions for Malawians in KwaZulu-Natal province had become "untenable." Growing security concerns, including looted businesses and targeted foreigners, have led several countries, including Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to offer voluntary repatriations for their citizens. The Border Management Authority processed 8,200 foreign nationals for repatriation at the Beitbridge border post between June 12 and 24, including 6,709 Malawian nationals and 1,521 Zimbabwean nationals. Weeks of xenophobic unrest have resulted in at least three deaths according to official sources, while Mozambican authorities reported five deaths among their nationals. A Malawian national was also killed during a march in Pietermaritzburg. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola expressed concern over groups "enforcing the law" by moving from house to house. These tensions precede local government elections scheduled for November 4. Past violence targeting undocumente
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Abia State University, Uturu, has begun screening first-class graduates for automatic employment, a directive announced by Governor Alex Otti during the university's 30th–32nd convocation ceremonies on March 27, 2026. The screening, which started on Wednesday, is for eligible graduates who have completed the National Youth Service Corps NYSC program, in preparation for issuing employment letters. Vice-Chancellor Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration Professor Roseline Ndimele, expressed pride in the graduates' academic achievements and the university's commitment to supporting excellence. The Registrar, Dr. Acho Elendu, stated that the meeting complied with the governor's directive and urged candidates to follow guidelines. Governor Otti had announced that all first-class graduates from the three convocation sets would be retained as Graduate Assistants upon completing their NYSC program. This privilege also extends to best graduating students with a cumulative average of 4.25 and above. Additionally, first-class graduates from these sets will receive postgraduate scholarships to any public Nigerian university up to doctorate level, contingent on accepting the teaching appointment. Approximately 38 first-class graduates from various departments participated in the screening and are expected to receive employment letters soon.
Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has challenged the admissibility of statements the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC sought to use against him in his ongoing trial for alleged $4.5bn and N2.8bn fraud and abuse of office. Emefiele's lead counsel, Olalekan Ojo SAN, argued before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court that the statements were obtained under oppressive, dehumanizing, and torturous conditions while Emefiele was in EFCC custody. Ojo contended that the statements were not voluntarily made, alleging Emefiele was held incommunicado for over 157 days. He cited the Evidence Act and the Anti-Torture Act, stating that Section 4 of the Anti-Torture Act prohibits the admission of confessions or statements obtained through torture or inhumane treatment. The issue arose when the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, attempted to tender the statements through a prosecution witness. The defense requested a trial-within-trial to determine voluntariness, which the prosecution opposed for the remaining statements, arguing they were not confessional. Justice Oshodi adjourned ruling on the admissibility of the statements until July 9, 2026, and the substantive trial to October 6, 7, 8, and 9, 2026.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for an end to violent crimes in the state and the arrest and prosecution of suspected political thugs. During a visit from Deputy Inspector-General of Police Adegoke Fayoade, Governor Adeleke stated that the negligence and partisanship of some police officers have worsened political violence, citing three unresolved political murders in recent weeks in Ikire, Ilobu, and Esa Oke. He alleged that some policemen are collaborating with political thugs who are attacking residents and destroying property, yet no arrests have been made. Governor Adeleke insisted that the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has demonstrated a lack of willingness and capacity to act fairly and without partisan bias, and therefore should be redeployed. He urged Fayoade to convey this position to the police leadership, emphasizing the need for impartial policing to ensure free and fair polls and a peaceful environment for voters. In response, DIG Fayoade assured the Governor that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has instructed the Osun CP and his men not to allow any act of brigandage and to fully investigate and prosecute anyone found culpable in acts of murder or unlawful activity. Fayoade affirmed that the upcoming elections in Osun State will be conducted peacefully, similar to recent elections in Anambra and Ekiti, and that the police will uphold the constitution and the rule of law.