South Africa builds another site to ease overcrowding and speed up deportation of Malawian nationals

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa started building a second temporary deportation center on Thursday to process the repatriation of Malawians after thousands protested earlier this year in Johannesburg and other parts of the country against illegal immigration that has fueled tensions between locals and foreign nationals.

Meanwhile, thousands more Malawian nationals arrived at the first deportation center, also in the city of Durban, in an area known as Sherwood, where an estimated 10,000 have been camping for more than a week, waiting to be sent home.

On Wednesday, police fired rubber bullets and used stun grenades against migrants protesting in Sherwood, who were throwing rocks, sticks and logs at police. Local media reported the clashes erupted because of frustrations over the delays in the migrants returning home.

The new site is meant to alleviate the unfolding crisis that has seen women and young children packed in the overcrowded site with thousands of men.

According to South African officials, at least 12 women had given birth at the site since Malawians started gathering there.

South African and Malawian authorities have been coordinating in recent weeks to facilitate the repatriation of thousands of Malawian citizens gathered at the site in Durban, claiming to flee anti-migrant tensions and fears of violence.