South Africa said diplomats were ordered to leave after “being convicted of illicit duty-free alcohol trade.”
Malawi said several of its diplomats were expelled from South Africa after being convicted of trafficking duty-free alcohol.
Malawi’s foreign ministry in Lilongwe said on Friday that South Africa had given diplomats and their families 72 hours to leave the country.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations said in a statement the decision was made because diplomats “were found guilty of illicit duty-free alcohol trade” following a thorough investigation into their disregard of privilege. diplomatic.
Pretoria said investigations into similar transgressions by other accredited missions to South Africa were “at an advanced stage and similar action would be taken if found guilty.”
Malawi’s foreign ministry has expressed “regret” that “Malawian diplomats … have been declared persona non grata” and has promised disciplinary action when officers return home.
Several Lesotho diplomats were expelled from South Africa on Thursday for similar reasons.
South African media reported that cash-strapped diplomats from Lesotho smuggled alcohol into the country duty free and then resold it in bars and restaurants.
