South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has once again raised alarm over the illegal cross-border movement of children after 33 undocumented minors were intercepted at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed that the children, aged between four and 15, were found travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe in a Zimbabwe-registered minibus taxi on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
The interception took place shortly after midday when a junior border guard, deployed during a relief shift, stopped and searched the vehicle as part of routine border control operations. Upon inspection, officials discovered that none of the children had valid travel documents.
Two Zimbabwean men, aged 32 and 23, who were accompanying the children, were immediately arrested on suspicion of facilitating their illegal movement across the border. Criminal cases have since been opened against the suspects under the Immigration Act.
All 33 children were handed over to the Department of Social Development for care and further assessment, in accordance with South Africa’s child protection laws and international obligations.
Masiapato praised the junior border guard for his alertness, describing the interception as evidence that strengthened border management measures are yielding results, particularly in combating crimes involving vulnerable groups.
He also issued a stern warning to parents and guardians, urging them not to place children at risk by allowing them to travel without proper documentation.
“The Border Management Authority will not tolerate the exploitation of children or the facilitation of illegal cross-border movement. Protecting children and safeguarding the integrity of our borders remain non-negotiable,” said Masiapato.
Investigations are continuing, and the suspects are expected to appear in court later this week.
The incident comes just days after another group of children, aged between five and 17, was intercepted while travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe, with preliminary checks indicating that most were without parental supervision or lawful guardianship.
Authorities confirmed that all affected children in both incidents have been placed under the care of the relevant departments, with measures in place to ensure their safety, wellbeing and lawful processing in accordance with South African legislation and international child protection protocols.
“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 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.”
Investigations into the latest case are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to appear in court later this week.
Saturday Star