The Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted over 20 minors near the Limpopo River, close to the Beitbridge Border Post.
The children, aged between 5 and 17 years, are believed to have been en-route from South Africa to Zimbabwe.
Among the group were 10 adults. However, preliminary verification confirmed that only one adult is the parent of one of the children, the rest of the children were without parents.
“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, wellbeing, and lawful handling of the minors in line with South African laws and international child protection protocols,” said BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato.
Masiapato said the BMA is working closely with SAPS, the Department of Social Development, and other relevant stakeholders to verify identities, establish circumstances surrounding the movement of the children, and determine appropriate interventions.
“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,” he said.
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