Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) has reported a successful interception of 443 unaccompanied children suspected of being trafficked from Zimbabwe. The incident occurred during a sting operation at the Beitbridge border post, involving border guards, home affairs anti-corruption teams, and the South African Police Service. The authorities stopped and searched 42 buses attempting to enter South Africa, discovering the children, all under eight years old, without any accompanying parents or guardians. The BMA commissioner, Michael Masiapato, emphasized that the children were being trafficked into South Africa and were subsequently denied entry. The Zimbabwean officials were activated to process the children back into Zimbabwe.
With over a million Zimbabweans residing and working in South Africa, it is presumed that these children were intending to join their parents for the Christmas holidays, coinciding with the school closure on December 1. Immigration has become a key election issue in South Africa, with the ruling African National Congress facing a challenging election next year. In response to the persistent challenge of illegal migration, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the BMA in October. However, despite these efforts, reports suggest that illicit entry continues through bribery involving officials on both sides of the border.
The BMA commissioner highlighted that 18 officials are currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings for their involvement in facilitating the entry of illegal immigrants into South Africa. In a clear demonstration of a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, eight of these officials have already been fired. The interception of trafficked children underscores the ongoing struggle to curb illegal migration and human trafficking. The BMA’s commitment to addressing corruption within its ranks aligns with broader efforts to enhance border security and manage immigration more effectively. These developments will likely shape the narrative around immigration policies and enforcement in South Africa, particularly as the country prepares for crucial elections.
