DURBAN — South Africa began construction of a second temporary deportation center in Durban on Thursday. The new facility will process the repatriation of Malawian nationals.

This initiative follows protests and clashes with police at the existing deportation site in the Sherwood area of Durban. Police fired rubber bullets and used stun grenades against migrants protesting there, and migrants threw rocks, sticks, and logs at police. Approximately 10,000 Malawian nationals camped at the site for over a week while awaiting repatriation.

South African and Malawian authorities coordinated in recent weeks to facilitate the repatriation of these citizens. The Malawian government reported that 560 nationals departed South Africa on eight buses on Wednesday. It also scheduled 10 additional buses on Thursday to transport 700 people to Malawi. Mncwabe stated 10 buses sent by the government departed Durban for Malawi after the repatriation process began.

Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba said the new center is a temporary measure. "It will operate for up to 14 days, it is a temporary measure and will not become a permanent settlement or refugee camp." Xaba said. South African home affairs official Cyril Mncwabe said. "None of these people are legal, all of them are undocumented and illegal in this country." Mncwabe said.

Mncwabe stated it could take several more weeks for 60 immigration officials at the site to process the individuals present, as numbers increase daily. Officials also stated that the deportation process requires individuals to appear in court because they entered the country illegally. Police officers reviewed individuals scheduled for deportation to check for pending criminal cases. Malawian citizens stated they fled to the site to avoid anti-migrant tensions and potential violence. At least 12 women gave birth at the Sherwood site after Malawians began gathering there, according to officials. Deported individuals are barred from reentering South Africa for five years. The government also requested donations to help finance transportation for returnees home.