Malawi has urged its nationals living in violence-hit South Africa to stay away from communities with incidences of xenophobic attacks for their safety, APA has learnt.
Those unable to do so should try to make their way to the country’s diplomatic posts for refuge, Foreign Minister Francis Kasaila said in a statement in Lilongwe on Thursday.
While condemning the attacks on foreigners, the minister said he was in contact with his South African counterpart, Naledi Pandor, to ensure that Malawians are provided with adequate security.
South Africa has been hit by attacks on mainly African migrants and looting of their property, forcing dozens of them to take refuge in unkempt places after being chased from their homes.
One Malawian resident in South Africa said he has been locked up indoors for fear of being recognised as a foreigner and killed in the process.
“I am not even able to go out to work because once they discover I am Malawian, I would be killed,” a terrified Amos Jassi told a local radio station here.
NM/jn/APA