By Vincent Gunde
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP), Bantu Saunders Jumah, has appealed to the Government of Malawi to pressure the courts to expedite justice for Prophet Shepherd Bushiri,saying this would help alleviate the suffering of millions of Malawians living in South Africa, who are facing arrests by police and the Home Affairs Ministry.
Jumah claims that there are over 3 million Malawians in South Africa, with one finding a Malawian every kilometer.
He says these individuals are being targeted for arrests, regardless of whether they have valid documents or not.
“Many have property in South Africa, which they purchased with the intention of taking back to Malawi upon their return. However, they are being arrested and forced to leave behind their hard-earned property,” says Jumah.
He has,expressed his concern that the Malawi Government seems unconcerned with the plight of Malawians in South Africa.
He questions the type of diplomacy the country’s leaders are employing, as only Malawians appear to be targeted, while foreigners from other countries like Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Mozambique are free to move about and conduct business as usual.
Jumah has thanked the Indian and Hindu communities in South Africa for their support in providing food to detained Malawians at Lindera Prison and police cells.
He notes that the Home Affairs and Police are searching for Malawians in work premises, churches, and homes.
The MRP President has urged the Government of Malawi to send the Malawi Ambassador to South Africa to negotiate with the South African government.
“They should issue an ultimatum to allow arrested Malawians to return to their homes and collect their property, ensuring it remains in their custody,” he says.
Jumah emphasizes that these Malawians came to South Africa seeking greener pastures and are breadwinners supporting their families in Malawi.
“If all 3 million were to return home, it would be challenging for them to survive,” adds Jumah.
He has appealed to Malawians living in South Africa to support one another during this difficult time, as the government of Malawi seems unresponsive to their plight.
