Limpopo – Border Management Authority (BMA) officials intercepted 33 undocumented minor children, aged 4 to 15, transported in a minibus taxi at Beitbridge Port of Entry on Tuesday, arresting two Zimbabwean men for facilitating their illegal cross-border movement.
The incident unfolded around 12:30 PM when a BMA Junior Border Guard on relief shift stopped and searched a Siyaya Zimbabwe-registered taxi heading from South Africa to Zimbabwe, BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed in a statement.
Two adult suspects, aged 32 and 23, face criminal charges under the Immigration Act for aiding the illegal entry and movement of undocumented persons.
All 33 children were immediately handed over to the Department of Social Development for processing, adhering to child protection protocols and South Africa’s international obligations.
INTERCEPTION OF ANOTHER GROUP OF UNDOCUMENTED MINOR CHILDREN AT BEITBRIDGE PORT OF ENTRY:
The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, has confirmed the interception of another group of undocumented minor children at the Beitbridge Port of… pic.twitter.com/K0abSKyapc
— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) January 14, 2026
Dr Masiapato commended the guard’s vigilance, stating it highlights “the effectiveness of enhanced border management measures and the Authority’s firm stance against crimes involving children.”
He urged parents to stop sending undocumented children to ports of entry, adding: “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.”
Investigations continue, with the suspects slated to appear in court this week. This marks another recent interception of minors at Beitbridge, underscoring ongoing challenges in cross-border child trafficking.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
