South Africa deported more than 300 Mozambicans in a week, according to a representative for the country’s Migration National Service (Senami), Celestino Matsinhe.
Illegal immigration, according to Celestino Matsinhe, is one of the main reasons for Mozambicans being deported.
Between November 6 and 12, 317 Mozambicans were deported from South Africa, according to Mr Matsinhe.
296 were deported for illegal immigration, 17 for theft, two for physical assault, and the last two for drug trafficking, according to the government official.
309 were men and eight women, and they are from Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Sofala, Zambézia, Nampula and Niassa provinces, he added.
Last year, South Africa repatriated 589 Mozambique nationals who were pardoned after serving part of their prison terms.
Both Mozambique and South Africa are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
South Africa is the largest economy and the most developed SADC state, hence attracting millions of people from troubled African countries, fleeing political and economic hardships back home.
(AFP)
