By Charmaine Kwenda
South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) is calling for an emergency diplomatic intervention with the Zimbabwean government following the interception of another group of undocumented minors at the border.
The latest incident occurred Tuesday at the Beitbridge Port of Entry, where border officials detained 33 children, some as young as four years old attempting to cross from South Africa back into Zimbabwe.
Two Zimbabwean men were arrested at the scene and face charges under the Immigration Act for facilitating illegal movement.
BMA Spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi described the situation as a “serious crisis,” noting that this follows the interception of 20 other minors and 10 adults near the Limpopo River earlier this month.
“At this point, there needs to be serious engagement with the Zimbabwean government,” Mogotsi stated.
Preliminary investigations indicate these children came here for the festive season and are now they are going back home, but the manner in which this movement is being conducted is wrong.
Authorities are concerned that the informal transport of undocumented minors exposes children to extreme risks, including human trafficking and physical danger.
The Zimbabwe Immigration department in Beitbridge has recommended parents and guardians of minors to follow the legal immigration processes when traveling.
They also urged the community to make use of passports offices to obtain passports and avoid using illegal crossing points as there is a high risk of being swept away be the Limpopo river and also being victims of rape and robberies.