Msunduzi Municipality has begun efforts to relocate displaced Malawian nationals from a temporary site in Pietermaritzburg to a designated facility in Durban.

The Witness reports the intervention comes after violent attacks in the Jika Joe informal settlement on Friday, where a Malawian national was killed and several others seriously injured.

More than 300 Malawians, including women and children, are currently at a shelter after fleeing their homes for safety on Friday.

Relocation plans underway

The municipality said the current site accommodating displaced individuals is a temporary measure and not an official camp.

“The intention is to ensure that this arrangement is brought to an end as soon as possible,” the municipality said, confirming that plans are underway to move those affected to a facility in Durban where processes will be handled by relevant authorities.

A joint operations committee has been activated to co-ordinate the response, involving government departments, law enforcement agencies and the Consul General of Malawi. Representatives from the Malawian Embassy are expected to assist with verification and repatriation processes.

“As an interim measure, security personnel have been deployed on site to assist with safety and order, while water has been provided to address immediate needs. The municipality appreciates the humanitarian support provided by community organisations, faith-based organisations and other stakeholders who have assisted during this period,” the municipality said.

The municipality remains committed to ensuring that the situation is managed in a co-ordinated and responsible manner, while ensuring that all processes are handled in line with the applicable laws and mandates of the relevant authorities.

Ntuli condemns killing

Meanwhile, KZN Premier Thami Ntuli has condemned the killing, describing it as a ‘senseless act of criminality’ and warning against vigilantism.

“While citizens have a constitutional right to protest, no grievance can justify violence or the targeting of any individual or group,” Ntuli said.

He extended condolences to the family of the deceased and called for a swift investigation.

Ntuli acknowledged ongoing concerns around illegal immigration and socio-economic pressures but stressed that these must be addressed through lawful channels.

“Criminal elements who exploit public gatherings to commit acts of violence undermine legitimate civic activism and threaten social cohesion,” he said.

Police have been urged to act decisively to identify and arrest those responsible.

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