South African authorities recently intercepted a convoy of over 40 buses at the Beitbridge border post, preventing the entry of 443 children under the age of eight from neighboring Zimbabwe.
The sting operation, conducted by the South African Border Management Authority (BMA) and police, aimed to thwart human trafficking activities on Saturday night.
Commissioner Michael Masiapato of the BMA stated that although the children possessed passports, they lacked the necessary parental consent and guardianship letters required by regulations while traveling unaccompanied.
Initially claimed to be headed for sports events, investigations revealed that these children were actually being sent by their Zimbabwean grandparents to join their parents in South Africa. Masiapato confirmed suspicions of trafficking, highlighting the absence of proper authorization.
Taking swift action, authorities coordinated with officials in Zimbabwe, promptly repatriating the children to their home country.
Expressing concern over the growing issue of human trafficking, Masiapato pledged ongoing operations, particularly during the upcoming festive season.
With over a million Zimbabweans residing and working in South Africa, it’s believed that these children intended to reunite with their parents for the Christmas holidays following the school closure.
South Africa has faced challenges related to an influx of illegal migrants entering through its northern border with Zimbabwe, prompting heightened vigilance and enforcement measures.
