A verification exercise at a Malawian migrant encampment in Sherwood Park, Durban, has found that 1,876 individuals are residing in South Africa in contravention of the country's immigration laws
Image: Zainul Dawood
The Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development have established a priority court in Durban to fast-track immigration cases after a large group of Malawian nationals camping at Sherwood Park was found to be in South Africa unlawfully.
Department of Home Affairs spokesperson Thulani Mavuso confirmed that 1,876 Malawian nationals have been verified as residing in the country in contravention of immigration laws, following a comprehensive verification process.
“The Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, has established a priority court to process immigration matters involving Malawian nationals currently residing at Sherwood Park in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal,” Mavuso said.
According to the department, the verified cases include visa overstays, expired travel documents and undocumented status.
“Following a comprehensive verification exercise, 1,876 Malawian nationals have been confirmed to be residing in the Republic in contravention of South Africa's immigration laws,” Mavuso said.
“The verified contraventions include visa overstays, expired travel documents and undocumented status, all of which constitute grounds for deportation in terms of the Immigration Act, 2002.”
The newly established priority court will operate through a virtual platform at Sherwood Park under the authority of the Durban Magistrate’s Court, enabling the processing and confirmation of deportation orders.
“The priority court will operate through a virtual platform at Sherwood Park under the authority of the Durban Magistrate's Court to facilitate the consideration and confirmation of deportation orders in respect of affected individuals,” Mavuso said.
Government data shows that *676 Malawian nationals have already returned home*, facilitated by the Government of Malawi as of 15 June 2026, while voluntary repatriation efforts continue.
“The Government of Malawi has facilitated the return of 676 of its nationals as of 15 June 2026,” Mavuso said.
Authorities say that while voluntary returns remain ongoing, the pace of departures has led to a shift toward formal deportation processes.
“While voluntary repatriation efforts remain ongoing, the pace of departures has necessitated the implementation of formal deportation processes to ensure the lawful and orderly enforcement of South Africa's immigration laws.”
The department added that vulnerable groups, including women and children, are being prioritised under coordinated humanitarian measures.
“Particular attention continues to be given to vulnerable groups, including women and children, through coordinated humanitarian support measures.”
It further stressed that all proceedings will adhere to constitutional protections, including access to legal representation and procedural fairness.
“The Department is committed to ensuring that all processes are conducted lawfully, fairly and in accordance with the Constitution. The rights of affected individuals, including the right to procedural fairness and access to legal representation, will be upheld throughout the process.”
Home Affairs said the enforcement action is aimed at strengthening the integrity of South Africa’s immigration system.
“Through the fair and consistent enforcement of South Africa's immigration laws, the Department will continue to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the integrity of the country's immigration system,” Mavuso said.
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