Malawi Government confirms deportation of its South Africa diplomats

* Alleged to have been involved in alcohol smuggling

* Government to take appropriate actions on the diplomats upon return

Maravi Express

Malawi government has confirmed that its diplomats serving in the Republic of South Africa at its High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg, have been deported for allegedly abusing their diplomatic privileges.

According to reports, the Malawian diplomats — as well as those from Rwanda, Lesotho, Ghana, Guinea and Burundi — are alleged to have been involved in the smuggling of alcohol they bought in duty free shops in that country in which it is estimated the Rainbow country lost over 100 million rands.

A report by news24.com says South Africa Revenue Services uncovered the racket in which the foreign diplomats were buying large volumes of alcohol at duty free retailers and selling it locally.

The report says this comes from two investigations that revealed the scam — one done in 2019 and the other last year.

In its statement, the Malawi government said it “will take appropriate actions on the diplomats upon their return”, who were given 72 hours to leave as of Friday, June 11.

The government confirms that South Africa’s decision to expell the diplomats is “in consonant with the provisions of the Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961”.

The Malawi Government further says it “has since conveyed its regret to the Republic of South Africa on the conduct of the said diplomats” and that is has also “put in place appropriate measures to ensure continuity of the operations of the Mission in Pretoria”.