Border authorities in South Africa and Zimbabwe are intensifying efforts to curb the trafficking of undocumented minors amid growing concern over the trend.
More than 50 children were intercepted at the Beitbridge border post this month alone after being found travelling without their parents or legal guardians.
Authorities have warned that both those facilitating such journeys and negligent parents could face serious legal consequences. Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Michael Masiapato said law enforcement agencies in both countries have agreed to arrest and prosecute adults found smuggling children across the border.
“We want to make sure parents are aware that transporting children between the two countries without documentation is a criminal activity. From a negligent point of view, they will also face the full might of the law,” Masiapato said.
He added that the BMA has already secured cooperation from bus companies regarding the movement of undocumented children and plans to engage with taxi industry officials as part of broader compliance measures.
Authorities say the stepped-up enforcement is aimed at protecting vulnerable children and dismantling networks involved in illegal cross-border movements.