SA woman claims to be Malawian in order to flee with lover

The woman was handed over to South African authorities, who confirmed that she was a South African citizen. She had planned to take advantage of the voluntary repatriation process to leave with her lover. 

"People wishing to visit other countries must not abuse this process," says Matsaung.

"We are not trying to promote illegal immigration to other countries by our own citizens, so this process must not be abused," he adds.

Matsaung says all South Africans wanting to go to other African countries, including those wishing to visit their lovers, must do so legally.