More than 20 minors were stopped from illegally crossing the Limpopo River in the vicinity of the Beitbridge border fence, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has reported.
The interception had been conducted along with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), a BMA statement said.
The children, aged between five and 17, are believed to have been on their way to Zimbabwe.
“Among the group were 10 adults,” the statement said.
“However, preliminary verification conducted by BMA officials has confirmed that only one adult is the parent of one of the children. The remaining minors were found to be travelling without parental supervision or lawful guardianship.
“The interception has raised serious concerns regarding child protection, possible exploitation, and non-compliance with immigration and child welfare legislation.
“All individuals have been placed under the care of the relevant authorities, and processes are under way to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and lawful handling of the minors in line with South African laws and international child protection protocols,” the BMA said.
Since the children were taken into custody, the BMA has been working closely with the SA Police Service, the Department of Social Development and other relevant stakeholders to verify identities and establish circumstances surrounding the movement of the children, the statement said.
Appropriate interventions are currently under way.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato has reiterated the authority’s zero-tolerance approach to the unlawful movement of children across South Africa’s borders.
“The protection of vulnerable persons, particularly children, remains a priority for the BMA.
“We will continue to intensify joint operations with our security cluster partners to prevent exploitation and safeguard the integrity of our borders.”
