South Africa anti-migrant unrest sends thousands home

More than 15,000 Malawians left South Africa ahead of an unofficial June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant campaigners, authorities said, as returnees described attacks, looting and fear during weeks of anti-foreigner unrest.

In Salima district in Malawi, Ahamadi Assani said a group stormed his compound in Pietermaritzburg, broke down doors and assaulted residents. He said two Malawians were killed and two hurt. South African police have confirmed the death of one Malawian during the unrest, along with two Mozambicans and an Ethiopian.

Authorities said thousands of other migrants from countries including Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe also left South Africa. Some were assisted by their governments.

Returnees said they had left jobs, property and savings behind. Hawa Troko said she spent five days in a makeshift camp before taking a government bus back to Malawi. Twaibu Hussein said more than 10,000 people were at a Durban camp where he waited for transport home.

In Zimbabwe, Takesure Nyawo said young men came to his home in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province on June 13, took property and carried knives. He said he fled the next day with his wife and children, despite having lived in South Africa for nine years with a valid permit.