4 bodies of Malawians killed in MOZ arrive next week’

The bodies of four Malawians killed in Mozambique on April 23 are expected to arrive in the country next week, Mozambique High Commissioner in Malawi Frank Vachi has said.

The four, were among 24 Malawian nationals en route to South Africa, who were attacked by gunmen at Catandika in Mozambique.

During the attack, three others sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to Chimoi Hospital where the bodies of those killed  that are also currently being kept.

One of the relatives to the deceased, Romeo Bwanali, expressed worry this week that the bodies of their relatives might not be repatriated as Malawi Government has been mum on the issue.

Bwanali told Weekend Nation relatives are desperate to know the date of repatriation of the bodies, so that they can start planning for burial.

But in an interview, Vachi said his office is making necessary arrangements to repatriate the bodies.

“I can confirm that Malawi Government has managed to liaise with Mozambique for clearance of the bodies and by next week the bodies would arrive for proper burial,” Vachi said.

Mwanza district commissioner Gift Rapozo also confirmed that the three who survived the attack are expected to arrive this weekend.

An escalation of conflict between government forces and opposition Renamo lebels in Mozambique is affecting Malawi transit cargo to the port of Beira as gunmen have recently been attacking trucks and passenger vehicles killing people in the process. n