The Border Management Authority (BMA), in close collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has intercepted over 20 minors near the Limpopo River close to the Beitbridge border fence.<\/p>\n
In the incident on Thursday, officials reported that the children, aged between five and 17, were believed to be travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe when they were intercepted during routine border safeguarding operations.<\/p>\n
Among the group were 10 adults; however, preliminary checks by BMA officials revealed that only one adult was the parent of one of the children.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The remaining minors were found to be travelling without parental supervision or legal guardianship.<\/p>\n
BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, expressed serious concerns about child protection, potential exploitation, and the violation of immigration and child welfare laws as a result of this interception.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll 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,\u201d Masiapato said in a statement.<\/p>\n
The BMA is collaborating closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Social Development, and other relevant stakeholders to verify identities, understand the circumstances surrounding the movement of the children, and identify appropriate interventions.<\/p>\n
Masiapato has emphasised the agency\u2019s zero-tolerance policy towards the unlawful movement of children across South Africa\u2019s borders.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d he said. \u2013 SAnews.gov.za
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