South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted more than 20 minors, some as young as five, near the Limpopo River close to the Beitbridge border fence, raising urgent concerns about the growing risks associated with irregular migration between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The children, aged 5 to 17, were found during routine patrols and are believed to have been attempting to travel from South Africa into Zimbabwe.
Although 10 adults were present, BMA officials confirmed that only one was a parent, leaving the majority of the minors effectively unaccompanied and without lawful guardianship.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said the incident highlighted serious risks of exploitation and violations of immigration and child‑welfare laws.
“The interception has raised serious concerns regarding child protection, possible exploitation and non-compliance with immigration and child welfare legislation,” Masiapato said late Thursday.
He said the minors have been placed in the care of relevant authorities while their identities and circumstances are verified in coordination with the South African Police Service and the Department of Social Development.
The interception comes against the backdrop of long‑standing migration pressures at Beitbridge, one of Africa’s busiest and most porous border posts.
An estimated one to two million Zimbabweans live in South Africa, many without legal documentation, and the Limpopo River crossing has become a well‑known route for irregular migration, often facilitated by smugglers.
The area has seen repeated cases of child trafficking, drownings and exploitation linked to illegal crossings.
JN/APA