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The Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted another group of undocumented minor children at the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
According to the BMA, the interception took place at around 12:30 when a junior border guard, deployed during the relief shift, stopped and searched a Zimbabwe-registered minibus taxi at the port of entry. The vehicle was found to be transporting 33 undocumented children, aged between four and 15, who were travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe.
Two Zimbabwean men, aged 32 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of facilitating the illegal cross-border movement of the children. Criminal cases have been opened against the suspects under the Immigration Act for the facilitation of the illegal entry and movement of undocumented persons. They are expected to appear in court later this week.
All 33 children were immediately handed over to the Department of Social Development for further processing, in accordance with child protection protocols and South Africa’s domestic and international obligations to safeguard vulnerable persons.
The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato, praised the junior border guard for his vigilance and professionalism, saying the interception demonstrated the effectiveness of strengthened border controls. He also urged parents and guardians 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,” said Dr Masiapato.
Investigations into the matter are continuing.
