BLANTYRE (Maravipost)–Government spokesperson Kondwani Nankhumwa has confirmed that two Malawians have died in the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Nankhumwa, who is also the Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture, disclosed this at news conference in Lilongwe Monday.
Nankhumwa identified one of the deceased as Adam Kaunga from Chilipa in Mangochi who has already been laid to rest. The other victim whose body is at a mortuary in South Africa, also from Mangochi is yet to be identified.
Meanwhile six buses carrying 390 people are expected to arrive today, Monday in Blantyre where they will among others be received by Nankhumwa and Minister of Home Affairs Atupele Muluzi.
Further five buses are expected into the country Tuesday.
Nankhumwa also revealed that government is spending R100,000 per bus and that it requires 50 buses to ferry all victims now at 3200 translating to R5 million (K195, 000, 000.00).
He appealed for calm and assured all foreigners and foreign owned businesses in Malawi of government protection.
“I would like to assure all foreign owned businesses, including those from South Africa, that government will provide normal security and protection as per its obligations.”
Nankhumwa also revealed that Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation had gone to South Africa as part of preparations for a meeting between the two country’s ministers on xenophobia.
Meanwhile, the Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has asked Malawians to shun South African shops, mainly Shoprite, Game Shop and PEP Stores in solidarity with their fellow Malawians, who have been trapped and injured following the attacks on foreigners by South Africans.
CAMA executive director John Kapito called Malawians in all regions not buy any product or service from outlets with South African origins.
“We are the people who buy from these shops; we are the people who use South African products and we contribute immensely to their economy.
“Let stop buying from these shops to register our concern and solidarity with victims of xenophobia,” said Kapito at press briefing in Blantyre on Monday.
He said the ‘Black Friday boycotts will go on for the next four weeks.