South Africa, Zimbabwe authorities tighten measures to minimise child smuggling at the border

Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
Zimbabwean and South African border authorities have started tightening measures at the Beitbridge border post to minimise cases of child smuggling during the festive season.
Activity at the border is gradually increasing with schools having closed in Zimbabwe.
In Zimbabwe, the Department of Immigration and security agents have already deployed additional manpower to reduce and prevent illegal activities at the border.
The festive season is synonymous with increased traffic and irregular migration through the border post and its surrounding areas.
The Assistant Immigration Officer in charge of Beitbridge Station (Zimbabwe), Mrs Canisia Magaya, said they were conducting a number of operations on the ground to enforce immigration laws.
“We are working hard to ensure there is efficiency at the border this festive season, as well as to prevent illegal migration through our border. We encourage people to travel safely and ensure they have valid travel documents,” she said.
In a statement, South Africa’s Border Management Authority(BMA) said on Monday afternoon it intercepted a South African taxi driver who was attempting to smuggle 25 undocumented foreign nationals into the neighbouring country.
Among them were 20 children, aged between five and 14, being unlawfully transported under dangerous and inhumane conditions.
The vehicle used in the operation was immediately impounded, the driver has been charged and is in police custody, and a conveyance fine of R375,000 has been issued in accordance with the Immigration Act.
The BMA stated that, following standard protocols, the children were handed over to the Zimbabwean child welfare authorities to ensure their safety and care while investigations continue.
Acting Commissioner of the BMA, Ms Jane Thupana, said: “This operation highlights the BMA’s resolve to disrupt criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly children. The trafficking and smuggling of people undermine human dignity and border security, and the BMA remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard South Africa’s ports of entry and protect those at risk.”
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