33 Zimbabwe minors repatriated from SA

The Zimbabwe Consulate in South Africa has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 33 children who were intercepted at Beitbridge Border Post while being transported illegally from South Africa. The children, aged between three and 16 years, were being transported by two men in a Toyota Quantum on January 13, when Border Management Authority officials intervened.

The two men involved in the smuggling have since been charged in South Africa for violating immigration laws. Upon arrival in Zimbabwe on January 23, the children were handed over to the Department of Social Development at Beitbridge for assessment, protection, and safe reunification with their families.

In a statement, the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg said the operation was conducted in collaboration with the South African Department of Social Development and other relevant stakeholders. "The children… were travelling without proper travelling documents. They have now been handed over to the Department of Social Welfare for further assessment, protection, and safe reunification with their families in line with national child protection frameworks," the consulate said.

The consulate emphasised the government's commitment to the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of children, warning parents, guardians, and transporters against moving minors without valid travel documents. Officials noted that illegal and irregular migration exposes children to serious risks, including trafficking, abuse, neglect, detention, and loss of identity.

To promote safe and legal travel, the Zimbabwean government has rolled out e-passport services at the consulate in Johannesburg. "We urge all Zimbabwean nationals to plan travel responsibly, ensure children are fully documented, and adhere to all immigration and child protection laws. Collective vigilance and compliance are critical to protecting our children and upholding their fundamental rights," the statement concluded.