Border management intercepts group of undocumented minors

Investigations are under way following the interception of another group of undocumented children at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Tuesday.

This has prompted border management officials to issue a warning to parents to desist from sending undocumented children to the ports of entry.

Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, said a junior border guard stopped and searched a minibus taxi at the port of entry.

“The vehicle, a Siyaya Zimbabwe-registered taxi, was found to be transporting 33 undocumented children between the ages of 4 and 15 years, who were travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe.

“Two adult Zimbabwean male suspects, aged 32 and 23, were arrested for allegedly facilitating the illegal movement of the children across the border.

“Criminal cases have been opened against both suspects in terms of the Immigration Act in relation to the facilitation of illegal entry and movement of undocumented persons.

“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,” said the commissioner.

Another group of minors was intercepted near the Limpopo River earlier this month.

“The Border Management Authority 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,” said Masiapato.

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