In a statement released by the State House President Mutharika, who is in the US, described the attacks as unfortunate and urged people all over the world to condemn it.
“I have learnt with much regret and sadness of the recent attacks on foreigners, including Malawians living and working in some parts of the Republic of South Africa especially Durban. These attacks are uncalled for and should be condemned by all peace loving people all over the world,” Mutharika said.
He disclosed that he was pursuing the matter with South African President Jacob Zuma to intervene and also implored President Robert Mugabe in his capacity as Chairman of SADC to table the issue during the Extraordinary Summit to be held in Harare soon.
“I am pursuing this matter with President Jacob Zuma to do all within his power, to end this painful ordeal of Malawians in South Africa, whose only crime, is to go and work in South Africa and earn a living. I will also raise the issue with President Robert Mugabe, as Chairman of SADC, especially to ensure that this matter is discussed at the impending SADC Extraordinary Summit, scheduled to be held soon, in Harare,” he said.
He also urged Malawians affected by the attacks to contact the High Commission in South Africa for them to be repatriated home.
“The process of bringing out Malawians, interested to leave South Africa, and flee the violence has since commenced. Let me assure the people of Malawi that my government is doing everything possible, to evacuate all those willing to return home,” he said.
He hopes that a profound and long-lasting solution will be found, to this recurring problem in South Africa.
“My heart is with those who have fallen victim to these wanton attacks in South Africa,” he added.
The President has set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee comprising George Chaponda, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, (Chairman), Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security (Vice Chairman) and Francis Kasaila, Minister of Transport and Public Works.
At least 1030 Malawians have been affected the attacks and six people have been killed in the past two weeks.
So far the government has released K30 million to repatriate Malawians and the first six buses are expected to arrive in the country today.
But the budget is likely to shoot as the money was for 420 before the discovery of more affected people.
