Authorities at the Beitbridge Port of Entry have intercepted yet another group of undocumented minor children.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) confirmed that officials stopped a minibus taxi carrying 33 undocumented children aged between four and 15 on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
The children were travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe without the required travel documents.
Suspicious taxi stopped during routine checks
According to BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato, a junior border guard on relief duty grew suspicious of a Zimbabwe-registered Siyaya minibus taxi at around 12:30pm.
After stopping and searching the vehicle, officials discovered the children packed inside without any legal documentation or proof of lawful cross-border travel.
Two Zimbabwean men, aged 32 and 23, were immediately arrested for allegedly facilitating the illegal movement of the minors across the border.
Authorities have opened criminal cases against both suspects under the Immigration Act, relating to the facilitation of illegal entry and movement of undocumented persons.
Children handed over to social services
Officials handed all 33 children over to the Department of Social Development, which is now processing the case in line with South Africa’s child protection laws and international obligations.
Social workers will assess the children’s welfare and determine appropriate next steps to ensure their safety.
BMA warns parents against risking children’s lives
Dr Masiapato praised the junior border guard’s alertness, saying the interception once again highlighted the impact of strengthened border controls at Beitbridge.
“This 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 stern warning to parents and guardians, urging them to stop sending undocumented children across borders, where they are exposed to serious risks including trafficking and abuse.
“The Border Management Authority will not tolerate the exploitation of minors 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,” Dr Masiapato said.
Undocumented children at the border
Last week, Border Management Authority officials intercepted 20 minors near the Limpopo River, close to the Beitbridge port of entry.
The BMA said the minors, aged between five and 17, were believed to be travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe.
Officials also found 10 adults in the group, but preliminary checks confirmed that only one adult was the biological parent of one child, while the remaining minors were travelling without parental supervision or lawful guardianship.
