South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has intercepted a group of 33 undocumented minors at the Beitbridge Port of Entry, in the latest case raising alarms about the illegal cross-border movement of children.

Children Aged 4 to 15 Found in Minibus Taxi

According to the BMA, the children were aged between four and 15 and were travelling from South Africa to Zimbabwe in a Zimbabwe-registered minibus taxi. The group was stopped on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, after a junior border guard searched the vehicle during routine border control operations.

Two Men Arrested as Probe Continues

Authorities arrested two Zimbabwean men for allegedly facilitating the illegal movement of the children. Reports said the suspects are 32 and 23 years old, and criminal cases were opened under the Immigration Act. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to appear in court later this week.

Children Handed to Social Development

The BMA said all 33 undocumented minors were handed over to the Department of Social Development for care and further processing. This was described as part of child protection protocols and South Africa’s legal obligations to safeguard vulnerable people.

BMA Warns Against Child Exploitation at Borders

BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato praised the border guard’s vigilance, pointing to tightened border controls and a firmer stance on crimes involving children. The BMA also urged parents and guardians not to send children across borders without valid documentation, warning it will not tolerate the exploitation of children or illegal cross-border movement.

The interception is reported to be the second case involving minor children at the port of entry in less than a week, with reports suggesting the total number of children stopped recently has climbed to over 50.