Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, has confirmed the interception of another group of undocumented children at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
According to the BMA, the interception took place at approximately 12:30 when a Junior Border Guard, deployed during the relief shift, stopped and searched a Siyaya Zimbabwe-registered minibus taxi at the port of entry.
The vehicle was found to be transporting 33 undocumented minor children, aged between four and 15 years old, 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, relating to the facilitation of illegal entry and movement of undocumented persons.
All 33 minor 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.
Masiapato commended the Junior Border Guard for his vigilance and professionalism, noting that the interception highlights the effectiveness of enhanced border management measures and the authority’s firm stance against crimes involving children.
He further urged parents to refrain from sending undocumented children through ports of entry.
“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,” Commissioner, Dr Masiapato said.
Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to appear in court this week. – SAnews.gov.za
