Another 33 undocumented minor children intercepted at Beitbridge Border Post

Another group of undocumented minor children has been intercepted at the Beitbridge Port of Entry, highlighting growing concerns around the illegal cross-border movement of children.

The Border Management Authority (BMA) confirmed that 33 undocumented children, aged between four and 15, were intercepted on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, while being transported from South Africa to Zimbabwe.

This comes after the BMA intercepted more than 20 undocumented minors near the Limpopo River, close to the Beitbridge Border Post last week.

Those children, aged between five and 17, were also believed to have been travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe.

According to the BMA, the interception occurred at approximately 12.30pm when a Junior Border Guard, deployed during a relief shift, stopped and searched a Zimbabwe-registered Siyaya minibus taxi at the port of entry.

“The vehicle was found to be transporting 33 undocumented minor children,” said BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato, confirming that the children had no valid travel documents.

Two Zimbabwean men, aged 32 and 23, who were travelling in the vehicle, were arrested for allegedly facilitating the illegal movement of the children across the border.

Criminal cases have since 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,” the BMA said.

Dr Masiapato praised the alertness of the official involved, saying the interception demonstrated the effectiveness of enhanced border controls.

“The interception underscores the effectiveness of enhanced border management measures and the Authority’s firm stance against crimes involving children,” he said.

The Commissioner also issued a strong warning to parents and guardians against sending children across borders without proper documentation.

“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, and the two suspects are expected to appear in court later this week.

IOL News