For the second consecutive week since the start of this year, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has apprehended suspects trying to illegally transport minors across South Africa’s Beitbridge border into Zimbabwe.
Together with Tuesday’s 33 children between the ages of four and 15, the BMA has now intercepted at least 53 undocumented minors at the border post.
Deputy assistant commissioner for Communications and Marketing, Mmemme Mogotsi, said the latest interception was thanks to the alert diligence of a junior border guard deployed during a relief shift.
The guard stopped and searched a minibus taxi with a Zimbabwean registration, leading to the arrest of two male suspects and subsequent interception of the children.
Mogotsi said the Zimbabwean citizens “were arrested for allegedly facilitating the illegal movement of the children across the border”.
Criminal cases have been opened against both suspects for contravening the Immigration Act.
“All 33 children were immediately handed over to the Department of Social Development for further processing, in line with Child Protection Protocols and South Africa's domestic and international obligations to safeguard vulnerable persons.”
Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato has commended the border guard for his vigilance and professionalism, a BMA statement said.
“The interception underscores the effectiveness of enhanced border management measures and the authority's firm stance against crimes involving children.”
He appealed to parents to desist from sending undocumented children to the border, adding: “The BMA will not tolerate the exploitation of children or the facilitation of illegal cross-border movement.
“We remain committed to protecting the integrity of our borders while upholding human rights and child protection principles.”
Investigations are ongoing and the suspects are expected to appear in court this week.
