Malawians risk being killed in Mozambique

Malawians traveling to and through Mozambique risk of losing lives following clashes between Renamo and Mozambican government forces.

Truck drivers, business operators, and travellers to South Africa are among the groups of Malawians who usually pass through Mozambique.

Speaking to Malawi24 on Monday, a Malawian truck driver (name withheld) said he has witnessed people in the country being chopped to death.

The driver said he was on his way back to Malawi and his truck was loaded with clinker for cement processing when he was stopped by Renamo rebels after they blocked the road with lorries.

“Besides my truck there were small cars for people in Mozambique, they asked me where I am coming from (my country) and I saw them giving each other signs.

“Then one came at my front and started asking me questions in Chichewa and after that they told me to follow them and show them what was in my truck,” said the driver.

 

He added that the soldiers turned to the other group and after noting them to be Mozambicans the soldiers poured petrol on the vehicles and burnt the cars together with people inside.

“I have been lucky that am alive after I called my wife that I will be a deceased husband to her, they told me that they have spared my life because my country is keeping Mozambicans peacefully and it will be unfair for me (Malawian) to be killed,” added the driver.

A fortnight ago four Malawians were killed while three others suffered gunshot wounds after they were attacked by soldiers in Mozambique.

Malawi government through Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Francis Kasaila warned Malawians travelling to South Africa to avoid using the Tete Province route, saying it is highly insecure following the renewed fighting between the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) and Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo).