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BMA Stops Minibus Carrying 33 Undocumented Children at Beitbridge

Authorities highlight tougher checks with suspects due in court this week.

Overview

  • A junior border guard on relief duty stopped a Zimbabwe-registered Siyaya taxi around 12:30pm on 13 January at Beitbridge.
  • Officials found 33 children aged four to 15 traveling from South Africa to Zimbabwe without required documents.
  • Two Zimbabwean men, aged 32 and 23, were arrested and charged under the Immigration Act for allegedly facilitating the trip.
  • All 33 were handed to the Department of Social Development for processing in line with child-protection protocols.
  • The BMA reports a second such interception within a week, with investigations continuing, court appearances expected this week, and a public warning against sending children across borders.