Geneva: The Government of South Africa, through the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration, has noted with deep sadness the passing of a Malawian national during the ongoing repatriation operation. In a statement on Tuesday, Government conveyed its condolences to the families and the Government and people of Malawi.

According to South African Government News Agency, preliminary reports indicate that the deceased was among the passengers aboard a Malawi-bound bus that had been loaded and departed the repatriation processing centre. Approximately 10 kilometers from the centre, the passenger tragically passed on, prompting the driver to turn the bus around and return to the processing centre. Upon the return of the bus to the centre, the South African Police Service (SAPS) was immediately called to the scene to conduct the requisite police procedures, including forensic examination, in line with standard protocols governing sudden and unexplained deaths.

Government wishes to reassure the family of the deceased, the Malawian authorities, and the public that all necessary processes were undertaken with professionalism, dignity, and respect for the deceased. Following the completion of the police and forensic work, the bus was formally released by SAPS and departed the scene at midnight, enabling the remaining passengers to continue their journey home.

The circumstances surrounding this incident will be communicated to the Malawian authorities through the appropriate diplomatic channels. Government expressed readiness to provide any support required to assist the family of the deceased and reiterated its sympathies to the family, as well as to the Government and people of Malawi.