Malawian migrants returning home from South Africa have alleged they were forced to pay money while crossing into Mozambique.

Several migrants told IOL that officials boarded their bus after it entered Mozambique and demanded cash.

They claimed the payments were described as “fines”.

One migrant, identified as Ebrahim, said they had no problems when leaving South Africa.

“We were okay when leaving South Africa, but as soon as our bus entered Mozambique, they came in and started asking why we didn’t have proper papers and other questions,” he said.

He claimed officials then demanded at least R200 from passengers.

Passengers allegedly removed

Ebrahim said some passengers who could not pay were taken off the bus.

“They then asked for money - at least R200. Those who didn’t have it were taken off the bus and kept in a room. We are not sure what happened to them,” he said.

Ebrahim said he had lived in South Africa for more than 10 years.

He said he left because he feared for his safety, leaving behind his South African wife and children.

Another Malawian migrant, Musa, said passengers tried to explain their situation.

“Yes, they asked for money and we had to give them whatever we had,” he said.

Musa claimed officials appeared to be taking advantage of vulnerable travellers.

Gift of the Givers responds

Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers said people subjected to extortion were not part of the official repatriation programme.

Founder Imtiaz Sooliman said migrants who left official camps supported by the organisation were moved through Musina.

“Every Malawian and Zimbabwean who left the camps we were involved with came through Musina. If they left on their own, they had no government protection,” Sooliman said.

His comments suggest some migrants may have travelled independently without formal protection during the journey.

Thousands leave South Africa

Official figures show that just over 15 000 Malawians have left South Africa since 25 June.

However, the real number is believed to be higher when voluntary departures are included.

Thousands more Malawians remain in South Africa awaiting repatriation.

The eThekwini Municipality has since closed the repatriation site in Durban.

Processing and deportation efforts have now been redirected to Musina in Limpopo.

Malawians make up the majority of those seeking repatriation.