Cape Town – The Border Management Authority (BMA), working with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has intercepted more than 20 minors near the Limpopo River close to the Beitbridge Port of Entry during routine border safeguarding operations.
According to the BMA, the children, aged between five and 17, were believed to be travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe when they were intercepted near the border fence. The group included 10 adults, but preliminary checks revealed that only one adult was the biological parent of a single child.
The remaining minors were found to be travelling without parental supervision or lawful guardianship, raising serious child protection concerns.
“The interception has raised serious concerns regarding child protection, possible exploitation, and non-compliance with immigration and child welfare legislation,” BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said.
BREAKING NEWS!!! @TheBMA_SA
COMMISSIONER MASIAPATO CONFIRMS THAT BMA AND SANDF INTERCEPT UNSUPERVISED MINORS NEAR BEITBRIDGE PORT OF ENTRY
The Border Management Authority (BMA), working in close collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has…
— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) January 8, 2026
“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.”
The BMA confirmed that it is working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Social Development and other relevant stakeholders to verify the identities of those intercepted, establish the circumstances surrounding the movement of the children and determine appropriate interventions.
Dr Masiapato reiterated the authority’s firm stance against the illegal movement of children across South Africa’s borders.
“The protection of vulnerable persons, particularly children, remains a priority for the BMA,” he said. “We will continue to intensify joint operations with our security cluster partners to prevent exploitation and safeguard the integrity of our borders.”
Authorities said further investigations are ongoing as part of efforts to ensure the children’s safety and compliance with immigration and child welfare legislation.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
