Overview
- Border Management Authority and SANDF teams stopped the group near the Limpopo River during routine safeguarding operations at the Beitbridge fence.
- The children were aged five to 17 and were believed to be traveling from South Africa to Zimbabwe, with the group also including about 10 adults.
- Preliminary checks found only one adult was a confirmed parent, with the remaining minors moving without lawful guardianship.
- All individuals were placed under the care of relevant authorities as the BMA works with SAPS and the Department of Social Development to verify identities and assess possible exploitation or trafficking.
- One outlet reported the minors were deported to Zimbabwe, a claim not confirmed by officials as the multiagency verification continues.