The Border Management Authority (BMA), in a coordinated effort with the South African National Defence Force, has intercepted a group of more than 20 children near the Limpopo River in the vicinity of the Beitbridge border fence.
The minors, whose ages range from five to 17 years, were apprehended during routine border safeguarding operations on Thursday. Preliminary reports suggest the group was travelling from South Africa towards Zimbabwe at the time of the interception.
While the group included ten adults, an initial verification process conducted by BMA officials revealed a troubling lack of lawful guardianship. Authorities confirmed that only one adult amongst the group was the biological parent of a child present. The remaining children were found to be travelling without parental supervision, legal guardians, or the necessary documentation required for the movement of minors across international frontiers.
Dr Mike Masiapato, the Commissioner and CEO of the BMA, expressed profound concern regarding the discovery. “The interception has raised serious concerns regarding child protection, possible exploitation, and non-compliance with immigration and child welfare laws,” Dr Masiapato stated.
The BMA has confirmed that all individuals involved have been placed into the care of the relevant statutory bodies. Rigorous processes are now underway to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and lawful handling of the minors, adhering to both South African domestic law and international child protection protocols.
The Authority is currently working in close proximity with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Social Development, and other key stakeholders. The primary objectives of this inter-agency collaboration are to verify the identities of the children, establish the precise circumstances surrounding their movement, and determine the most appropriate humanitarian and legal interventions.
“The protection of vulnerable people, particularly children, remains a priority for the BMA,” Dr Masiapato added. “We shall continue to intensify joint operations with our security cluster partners to prevent exploitation and safeguard the integrity of our borders.”
The incident remains under active investigation as authorities seek to determine if the movement is linked to wider human smuggling or trafficking networks.
