As the festive holiday season fast approaches, the Border Management Authority (BMA) has already disrupted human smuggling activities at ports of entry.

Vigilant border guards intercepted a minibus taxi on Friday at the Lebombo Port of Entry.

According to BMA commissioner Michale Masiapato, the driver who was coming from Mozambique and driving into South Africa attempted to smuggle 14 undocumented children aged between 4 and 16 years old.

“The driver was immediately arrested and charged with aiding and abetting illegal entry in accordance with the Immigration Act.

“The rescued children were handed over to the Department of Social Development for care and support,” said Masiapato.

DSD national spokesperson Lumka Oliphant said it was standard procedure that the department will provide psychosocial support, make sure that the children were unharmed and also verify their nationality.

In 2023, during the same period, a number of buses and taxis were also found to be smuggling large groups of children.

In another incident, on Saturday, eight Bangladeshi nationals were stopped at the Beitbridge Port of Entry while attempting to enter the country illegally without valid travel documents.

They were reportedly dropped off by a minibus taxi near the port of entry.

However, border guards conducting routine patrols intercepted them.

Masiapato commended the unwavering commitment and vigilance of border guards to prevent illegal activities.

He said they will continue with efforts to safeguard all ports of entry.

“These incidents highlight the critical role our border guards play in safeguarding and preventing the exploitation of our borders by criminal syndicates.

“As we are commemorating the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, the BMA has emphasised its commitment to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.

“We are now in the festive period and our deployments have been intensified to intercept and deal with criminality in the border environment,” said Masiapato.

Cape Times