7 Tsho­lot­sho chil­dren inter­cep­ted in Bot­swana

Botswana authorities have intercepted a vehicle transporting seven undocumented children from Tsholotsho in Matabeleland North, who were being smuggled into South Africa.

The incident highlights a recurring challenge in border communities, particularly during school holidays when parents working in South Africa rely on "omalayitsha" - informal transporters - to ferry children across borders. The practice exposes minors to dangerous journeys without legal documentation or adult guardians.

During the rainy season, risks escalate as children may be forced to cross flooded rivers or abandoned during police crackdowns. Omalayitsha charge between R2 000 and R2 500 per trip and often bribe officials along the route to evade detection. Many rural families cite the high cost of passports - US$170 - as a barrier to legal travel.

Botswana police arrested the transporter involved in the latest case. Last year, 14 Tsholotsho children spent 48 days in Botswana under similar circumstances, missing weeks of school while authorities processed their cases.

One parent, whose seven-year-old child was among the detained, confirmed the incident.

"Omalayitsha was transporting seven children to South Africa, including my child. I am from Bhubhude Village in Tsholotsho. We are waiting for the court dates to know what will happen," the parent said, admitting the risk taken was "a big mistake and a gamble."

Former Tsholotsho Rural District Council chairperson and Ward 9 councillor Esau Siwela said most of the children and the arrested driver are from Ward 15 - Emagumndwini, Tshetshisa, and Gandisa areas. He noted that one affected parent contacted him for help in reuniting with their child. Last year, Clr Siwela assisted in securing documents required by Botswana authorities to release the 14 previously detained children.

"We must understand the children are not under arrest, but in the care of Botswana's social services department. However, this practice is a form of child abuse. Even though Botswana officials take good care of them, it is traumatic for the children to spend so much time with strangers, facing language barriers and uncertainty," Clr Siwela said.

He explained that Botswana is legally bound to follow strict protocols outlined in bilateral agreements with Zimbabwe before releasing undocumented minors. DNA tests and court processes are required to verify parental claims and determine whether the children are victims of trafficking or smuggling.

Clr Siwela added that caring for the children places financial pressure on Botswana, which must provide food, shelter, clothing, and welfare services during investigations. He called for stronger community education.

"We need chiefs, village heads, councillors and MPs to work together. Some children travel in very poor conditions with omalayitsha, and when trouble strikes, some drivers abandon them and flee," he said.

As of the time of reporting, the Zimbabwean embassy in Botswana had not responded to inquiries regarding the incident.