Serious child protection concerns have been flagged after more than 20 minors were intercepted near the Limpopo River, close to the Beitbridge border fence, during a joint operation by the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Authorities said the children, aged between five and 17, were travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe, with preliminary checks revealing that most were without parental supervision or lawful guardianship.
Dr Michael Masiapato, spokesperson for the BMA, said the interception raises serious concerns about child protection, possible exploitation, and breaches of immigration and child welfare laws.
“All individuals have been placed under the care of the relevant authorities, and processes are underway to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and lawful handling of the minors in line with South African laws and international child protection protocols,” he said.
The BMA is working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Social Development, and other stakeholders to verify identities, investigate the circumstances surrounding the children’s movements, and implement appropriate interventions.
Masiapato also 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,” he said.
In another recent incident, the BMA intercepted a cigarette smuggling operation at the Beitbridge Port of Entry with the assistance of drone surveillance technology.
The operation, conducted under the BMA’s 2025/2026 Festive Season Security Plan, resulted in the seizure of illicit cigarettes valued at R42,797.
Real-time aerial footage captured suspicious movement within the border enforcement area, allowing officers to swiftly track and intercept the suspects. The seized goods were secured, and the suspects were handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further processing.
Masiapato also praised the teams involved, highlighting the impact of technology on border security. “The use of drone technology has strengthened the Authority’s ability to disrupt organised smuggling networks and protect South Africa’s borders, despite limited resources,” he said.
Saturday Star