Five Ethiopians wanted over Dzaleka security fears

Five Ethiopians deported from Malawi are back in the country and are being hunted amid fears that their return could threaten refugees and asylum seekers at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa.

The five have been identified as Tsaga Butamo, Trakag Yohanes, Sammy Taedssa Mitiko, Mohammed Ahmed and Yisak Tagesa.

Authorities suspect that the five have returned to Malawi and are now threatening refugees and asylum seekers at the camp.

Commissioner for Refugees, retired General Ignacio Maulana, said their presence has raised security concerns at the camp.

“Their presence is raising security concerns for both refugees and the country,” Maulana said.

Maulana said one of the suspected returnees has even claimed ownership of a house at Dzaleka.

The Department of Refugees has appealed to anyone who spots any of the five or has information about their whereabouts and activities to report to the department or the police.

Authorities are continuing efforts to locate the five and establish how they returned to Malawi and what they are doing in the country.