They escaped xenophobic attacks and returned home alive. Now, some Malawians are heading back to South Africa in search of the jobs they could not find at home.
But government says those choosing to return should not expect protection from Malawi if they encounter problems again.
Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi says government has already done its part by rescuing Malawians affected by the xenophobic attacks and bringing them back home.
Saidi has warned those who witnessed the violence to think carefully before returning to South Africa.
He says government will not be responsible for challenges faced by Malawians who voluntarily choose to return.
The warning comes as some of the Malawians rescued from South Africa begin making their way back to the neighbouring country, largely driven by the search for employment and better economic opportunities.
Social commentator Isaac Ziba says the decision by some Malawians to return highlights a deeper problem at home.
Ziba says many Malawians continue to look beyond the country’s borders because the local economy is failing to provide enough employment opportunities.
He says the movement shows that even after experiencing the dangers of xenophobic attacks, some Malawians still see South Africa as offering better chances of earning a living.
