South Africa: BMA intercepts the smuggling of 14 undocumented children from Mozambique into SA

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South Africa: BMA intercepts the smuggling of 14 undocumented children from Mozambique into SA

8:08 CAT | 09 Dec 2024

The children, aged between four and 14, were rescued after the vigilant officials intercepted a minibus taxi on Friday. [Photo: BMA]

A minibus taxi driver was arrested after an attempt to smuggle 14 children from Mozambique into South Africa at the Lebombo Border Post.
9 hours ago 1 minute read

A minibus taxi driver has been arrested for attempting to smuggle 14 undocumented children, including a four-year-old, into South Africa through the Lebombo Border Post.

On Friday, 6 December 2024, vigilant BMA border guards intercepted a minibus taxi attempting to smuggle 14 undocumented children from Mozambique, aged between 4 and 16 years, into South Africa through the Lebombo Port of Entry. The driver was immediately arrested and charged with… pic.twitter.com/yn7hcIpzwr

— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) December 8, 2024

South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) border guards intercepted the taxi on Friday, as it transported children aged between four and 16 from Mozambique.

“The driver was immediately arrested and charged with aiding and abetting illegal entry in accordance with the Immigration Act [13 of 2002]. The rescued children were handed over to the Department of Social Development for care and support. The BMA continues to intensify its efforts to safeguard South Africa’s ports of entry and ensure the protection of vulnerable individuals,” says BMA deputy assistant commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi.

BMA commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato adds: “These incidents highlight the critical role our border guards play in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and preventing the exploitation of our borders by criminal syndicates. The Border Management Authority remains steadfast in its mission to combat illegal activities and protect the sovereignty of South Africa. We are now in the festive period, and our deployments have been intensified to intercept and deal with criminality in the border environment.”

As South Africa observes 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the BMA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the ports of entry are not exploited for any form of criminal activities, including human smuggling that targets any of the vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.

The BMA urges citizens and stakeholders to report suspicious activities at or near ports of entry, emphasising that community vigilance and co-operation are essential in combating border-related crimes.

Source: Lowvelder