South Africa law enforcement launch manhunt for Malawian domestic worker following theft of R1 million worth of jewellery and R10,000 in cash in Durban

* The incident comes amid increasing scrutiny over the employment of foreign nationals in South Africa, following the introduction of recent legislative measures

* Under newly-gazetted laws, employers who hire illegal foreign workers could face fines starting at R100,000 for first-time offenders

* With penalties increasing to as much as R1 million or prison time for repeat offenders

By Duncan Mlanjira

A Malawian domestic worker identified as Fatima Lawrence is being hunted by the South Africa law enforcement on suspicion she is involved in the theft of R1 million worth jewellery and cash in Durban.

A report by online publication, IOL indicates that the theft that has left a Durban family devastated, which occurred on Sunday.

The report states that theft was discovered when the family returned home at around 17h30 and realised their belongings were missing.

The missing jewellery are reported to be valued at approximately R1 million and that R10,000 in cash was also allegedly taken from the said Durban residence.

“The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Fatima Lawrence, who may also be known as ‘Esther, according to her passport, is believed to have been employed as a domestic worker by the family for the past seven years.

“It is feared that she may be attempting to flee to her home country of Malawi with her five-year-old daughter.

“The stolen items consisted mainly of old gold jewellery, including several valuable Kruger coins. The items also carried significant sentimental value, having been family heirlooms passed down through generations.”

IOL further reports that the law enforcement authorities are appealing to the public with information regarding Lawrence’s whereabouts to contact Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA).

“The incident comes amid increasing scrutiny over the employment of foreign nationals in South Africa, following the introduction of recent legislative measures,” reports IOL.

“Under newly-gazetted laws, employers who hire illegal foreign workers could face fines starting at R100,000 for first-time offenders, with penalties increasing to as much as R1 million or prison time for repeat offenders.

“The Employment Services Amendment Bill, which has been approved for introduction in Parliament, seeks to strengthen enforcement against the employment of undocumented immigrants as part of government’s efforts to address illegal immigration.”

However, IOL says that some immigration experts are “cautioning against blanket condemnation of foreign domestic workers, citing the important role many continue to play in the labour market”.

Professor Jo Vearey, co-director of the African Centre for Migration & Society, is quoted as saying many foreign nationals employed in domestic work are not undocumented, particularly those holding Zimbabwean and Lesotho exemption permits, which allow them to work legally until May next year.

“She also said domestic work continues to reflect historical imbalances and that many middle-class households benefit from ‘poorly paid black labour’,” says the report.

Meanwhile, Malawi is continuing with repatriation of its citizen despite several hiccups that include slow pace of services, with many still in camps waiting to be screened and transported back home.

According to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), more than 40,000 Malawians had been repatriated from South Africa as of Monday, with the government continuing to provide relief and support to help them reintegrate into their communities.

The government has been coordinating the voluntary repatriation of Malawians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks that displaced thousands of foreign nationals.

When they arrive, they are screened at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium in Mwanza and provided with immediate humanitarian assistance, including temporary shelter, food and reintegration support.

The government has been supported by corporate companies and charitable organisations and just yesterday, July 13, the First Gertrude Mutharika’s Beautify Malawi (BEAM) Trust donated food and non-food items worth MK100 million towards the same.

DoDMA also reported that Victoria Forex Foundation, the charity arm of Victoria Forex Bureau, has donated MK50 million to support the repatriation.

“Many affected Malawians have been our loyal customers for years, sending remittances home. We felt compelled to help,” the Foundation’s Marketing Manager Yamikani Amasi Chitulu is quoted as saying.

In his vote of thanks, DoDMA Commissioner Wilson Moleni acknowledged that the support will fund safe transport and the reception centre at Joyce Chitsulo Stadium.

“No Malawian is alone, regardless of where they find themselves in the world,” he said, while also urging returning citizens to utilise their skills here at home, and employers to welcome them.

He added that a government Reintegration Strategy is being developed and will be shared soon.—Additional reporting by Brian Wasili, Malawi News Agency (MANA)