South Africa intercepts buses carrying more than 400 unaccompanied children from Zimbabwe

South African officials halted dozens of buses carrying more than 400 young children from Zimbabwe, raising concerns about potential illicit activities.

The South African Border Management Agency disclosed that 42 buses entering from Zimbabwe were stopped and inspected on Saturday night, revealing 443 children under the age of 8 traveling without parental or guardian accompaniment.

According to Commissioner Mike Masiapato, the interception prompted the denial of entry to these buses, initiating collaboration with Zimbabwean officials to facilitate the return of the unaccompanied children to Zimbabwe.

Despite assertions from the Africa Diaspora Forum, representing foreign nationals in South Africa, that the children were likely en route to visit their parents for year-end holidays, the authorities emphasized the necessity of proper documentation for unaccompanied minors.

Ngqabutho Mabhena, Chairperson of the Africa Diaspora Forum, acknowledged the common practice of Zimbabwean parents sending their children to South Africa for family reunions.

However, he stressed the importance of responsible travel arrangements, urging parents to ensure that their children possess the required documentation, including passports, to prevent unauthorized and potentially risky journeys.

South Africa, with over a million Zimbabweans residing, many illegally, has faced challenges stemming from economic instability in Zimbabwe over the past 15 years.

The interception comes in the wake of increased efforts by South Africa to address illegal immigration, as evidenced by the launch of a new border force in October 2022. Authorities are intensifying measures to secure the borders and manage the movement of individuals between countries in the region.