33 Zimbabwean Children Repatriated From South Africa After Smuggling Attempt at Beitbridge
Thirty-three Zimbabwean children who were intercepted while being illegally transported from South Africa have been safely repatriated, following intervention by the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg. The children were stopped at Beitbridge Border Post earlier this month during a suspected smuggling operation.
The group, aged between three and 16 years, was found travelling without valid documentation in a Toyota Quantum driven by two men, who have since been charged with violating South Africa’s immigration laws.
Also Read: Zambian Couple Arrested for Attempting to Smuggle Three Zimbabwean Children
Consulate Leads Repatriation Effort
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Consulate confirmed that it coordinated with South Africa’s Department of Social Development and other stakeholders to facilitate the children’s return to Zimbabwe.
The children arrived back in the country on January 23 and were handed over to the Department of Social Welfare at Beitbridge, where they are undergoing assessment before being reunited with their parents or guardians in line with national child protection procedures.
Warning Over Undocumented Travel
The consulate stressed that the government places the highest priority on the safety and dignity of children, urging parents, guardians and transport operators to desist from moving minors without proper travel documents.
It warned that illegal and irregular migration exposes children to serious dangers, including trafficking, abuse, neglect, detention and loss of identity.
Government Pushes for Safe and Legal Migration
To reduce cases of undocumented travel, the consulate said Zimbabwe has rolled out e-passport services at its Johannesburg mission to make it easier for citizens to obtain valid travel documents.
Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa were urged to plan travel responsibly, ensure children are fully documented, and comply with immigration and child protection laws to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of minors.
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