Over 20 children travelling to Zimbabwe without guardians intercepted near Beitbridge border fence
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA), working closely with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has intercepted more than 20 minors near the Limpopo River, close to the Beitbridge border fence.
BMA Commissioner and CEO Nakampe Michael Masiapato said the children, aged between five and 17, were believed to be travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe when they were stopped during routine border security operations.
The group also included 10 adults; however, preliminary checks by BMA officials confirmed that only one adult was the parent of a child.
The remaining minors were travelling without parental supervision or legal guardianship. Said Masiapato:
“The interception has raised serious concerns regarding child protection, possible exploitation, and non-compliance with immigration and child welfare legislation.
“All individuals have been placed under the care of the relevant authorities, and processes are underway to ensure the safety, well-being, and lawful handling of the minors in line with South African laws and international child protection protocols.”
He said the BMA is working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Social Development, and other relevant stakeholders to verify the children’s identities, investigate the circumstances of their travel, and determine the appropriate interventions.
Masiapato also reiterated the Authority’s zero-tolerance stance on the unlawful movement of children across South Africa’s borders. 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.”
It appears the children are from Zimbabwe and had spent the school holiday in South Africa, and were returning home ahead of the start of the 2026 first term on 13 January. *_-Pindula_*
